Jake’s Take: Performers Who Deserve Kennedy Center Honors (The 2019 Edition)

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

The Kennedy Center Honors are the United States’ prestigious celebration of the performing arts and pop culture.  Since 1978, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has recognized some of the world’s top performers who have made an impact on American culture.  Lucille Ball, Ray Charles, Cher, Gloria Estefan, Billy Joel, David Letterman, Sir Paul McCartney, and Oprah Winfrey are several members of this elite group.

On Sunday, December 15, CBS will air the 2019 edition of the Kennedy Center Honors. Actress Sally Field, R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire, vocalist Linda Ronstadt, conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, and Sesame Street will be honored.  Every year, I have created a recommendation list that features a plethora of performers that should be honored. Here are my recommendations for potential members of the 2020s classes.

Audra McDonald

Actress-singer Audra McDonald has entertained generations of Americans with her impeccable performances on the stage and screen. She won six Tony Awards and received the National Medal of Arts from former President Obama in 2015. Millennials might recognize some of her work such as Annie (1999), The Good Fight, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Porgy and Bess, Private Practice, A Raisin in the Sun, and Ricki & The Flash.

Barry Manilow

Barry Manilow’s career spans over 50 years! He has written and produced a plethora of songs such as “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” “I Made It Through the Rain,” “Bandstand Boogie,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa).” Mr. Manilow’s work has been recognized with three American Music Awards, a Grammy, an Emmy, a Special Tony Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.

Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan has one of the most impeccable voices on the planet. The legendary vocalist has amassed over an estimated 70 million records worldwide. The “Tell Me Something Good” singer won 10 Grammys and collaborated with a plethora of music royalty such as Ray Charles and Quincy Jones to Eric Clapton and Mary J. Blige.

Eric Clapton 

Speaking of Eric Clapton, he is one of the UK’s rock gods that has not been recognized by the Kennedy Center Honors. The iconic guitarist is a three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee that has won 18 Grammys and knighted as a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2004. The “Tears in Heaven” musician has sold over 100 million records worldwide. 

Joy Behar 

The Emmy-winning talk show host and comedian has been a fixture on ABC’s The View for over 20 years. Also, she published five books, headlined three solo talk show series, and appeared on several television shows, including Baby Boom, It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, and Crisis in Six Scenes. In 2010, Ms. Behar received the GLAAD Media Award’s Excellence in Media Award. 

Liza Minnelli

Vocal dynamo Liza Minnelli has entertained generations of Americans throughout six decades. From her legendary performances as Sally Bowles in Cabaret to her sold-out shows at the Palace Theatre, the “New York, New York” always left audiences spellbound. Also, the actress-singer has won an Oscar, an Emmy, two Golden Globes, and four Tony Awards throughout her career.

Paul Shaffer 

Paul Shaffer made his mark on multiple entertainment genres since the 1970s. He served as David Letterman’s musical director and bandleader for both Late Night with David Letterman and Late Show with David Letterman. He also serves as the artistic director and producer for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. 

Samuel L. Jackson 

Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most recognizable actors of his generation. He has participated in several film franchises such as The Incredibles, Star Wars, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Mr. Jackson also appeared in classic films such as Goodfellas, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, Coach Carter, and Django Unchained. Throughout his career, Mr. Jackson earned a BAFTA, two Independent Spirit Awards, four NAACP Image Awards, and nominated for an Oscar and four Golden Globes. 

The Simpsons 

With Sesame Street’s inclusion of this year’s ceremony, it has opened the door for other television shows to be recognized. I believe that The Simpsons should be the next television series to get honored by the Kennedy Center. The FOX television icon is the longest-running prime time animated series with nearly 670 episodes. The show also received numerous accolades, including a Peabody Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, eight People’s Choice Awards, 34 Emmys, and 34 Annie Awards. 

Spike Lee 

For over 30 years, film director, producer, and screenwriter Spike Lee released significant films that addressed race relations and other political issues. Several of his films such as Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, The Original Kings of Comedy, and BlacKkKlansman have been recognized worldwide with accolades. Throughout his career, Mr. Lee earned two Oscars, two Emmys, two Peabody Awards, and two BAFTAs. 

Vanessa Williams

Singer-actress Vanessa Williams rounds out this edition. The future talk show host has entertained audiences through her impeccable roles such as the Witch (Into the Woods), Wilhelmina Slater (Ugly Betty), Renee Perry (Desperate Housewives), and Maxine Robinson (Daytime Divas). Ms. Williams received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Tony nomination, three Emmy nominations, and 11 Grammy nominations for her work.

What do you think of my list? Who should be honored by the Kennedy Center for future ceremonies?