The 36th Annual Kennedy Center Honorees have been announced.
Opera singer Martina Arroyo will be honored after an extraordinary career as a dramatic soprano. The Harlem-born soprano was known for her roles in Mozart, Puccini, Verdi and Strauss. She sang all over the world in such theaters such as La Scala di Milano, the Royal Opera House and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
Pianist, keyboardist and bandleader Herbie Hancock will also be honored. The Chicago-born musician is known for his work in jazz and for expanding the possibilities of the keyboard from utilizing the grand piano to exploring synthesizers, iPads and more.
Billy Joel will also be honored for his work as a singer, songwriter and pianist. The versatile singer has tried on a number of styles over the years including rock 'n' roll, new wave, hard-edged dance, 1960s nostalgia, and politicaly tinged material. Joel has also won Grammy Awards six times and has been nominated 23 times. He has also sold 150 million records worldwide.
Shirley MacLaine is also among the honorees. The Virignia-born actress is an Academy Award-winning actress known for her work in "Terms of Endearment," "The Apartment," "Being There" and "Out on a Limb." She will next be seen in "The Secret of Walter Mitty" and "The Boom Boom Room."
The final honoree is Mexican-born Carlos Santana. The musician known for his songwriting and virtuoso guitar playing was anointed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and swept the 2000 Grammy Awards. Rolling Stone named him one of the "greatest guitarists of all time." The star next plans to publish a memoir in English and Spanish in 2014.
The Kennedy Center Honors recognize living individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture through the performing arts. Honorees are celebrated in the fields of dance, music, theater, opera, motion pictures and television. The ceremony will be televised on Dec. 29.