Carlos Santana will receive the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors this fall, alongside fellow recipients Billy Joel, Shirley MacLaine, Herbie Hancock and opera singer Martina Arroyo.
The award is an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture.
"The Kennedy Center celebrates five extraordinary individuals who have spent their lives elevating the cultural vibrancy of our nation and the world," said Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein. "Martina Arroyo has dazzled the world with her glorious soprano voice and continues to share her artistry with a new generation of opera singers; Herbie Hancock has established himself as one of the most innovative musicians in the world, constantly breaking musical barriers and redefining the art of jazz; Billy Joel's melodies have provided the soundtrack of our lives for over four decades making him one pop music's most prolific and memorable singers and songwriters; the remarkable breadth and range of Shirley MacLaine's acting has left an indelible impression over a nearly 60-year career on stage and screen; from his legendary performance at Woodstock to his sweep at the 2000 Grammys and beyond, Carlos Santana's artistry transcends genres while entertaining millions."
The annual Honors Gala will take place Sunday, December 8. The President and Mrs. Obama will receive the Honorees and members of the Artists Committee who nominate them, along with the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees at the White House prior to the gala performance. The 2013 Kennedy Center Honors Gala concludes with a supper dance in the Grand Foyer.
The Kennedy Center Honors medallions will be presented on Saturday, December 7, the night before the gala, at a State Department dinner hosted by Secretary of State John Kerry.
The Honors Gala will be recorded for broadcast on the CBS Network for the 36th consecutive year as a two-hour primetime special on Sunday, December 29 at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT).
Santana resumes his ongoing Las Vegas residency this week at The House Of Blues; the current swing runs to September 22 before returning for more dates in November.
Santana See also:
VIDEO: Santana members reunite at Journey show
The Allman Brothers and Santana announce summer shows
Carlos Santana announces 2-year Las Vegas residency
Santana has L.A. school named in his honor
