Mexican guitarist Carlos Santana, considered to be one of the best in the world, was awarded an achievement award during at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Gala on Dec. 8.
Actress Shirley MacLaine, soprano singer Martina Arroyo, jazz musician Herbie Hancock and musician Billy Joel also received awards for their contributions to the arts in the United States, according to The Associated Press.
President Barack Obama was in charge of commemorating each artist with a colorful medal along with his wife, first lady Michelle Obama.
Santana was acknowledged by President Obama as one of the main voices of the Latino community in the United States, and for helping it achieve the importance it deserves in the country, according to EFE.
"Each of our brilliant honorees has given us something unique and of value beyond measure," President Obama said during his speech.
The singer for Mexican group Maná, Fher Olvera, was present at the event and said that the career of Santana is one of the most important among Mexican artists. Olvera said that the award is well-deserved since Santana has become an icon of Latino music thanks for his passion for music.
"He's a guitarist that plays with his soul, a person that loves his Latin roots. Since I was twelve I've listening to Carlos' music and since then I've known I wanted to do the same he does, a more Latino rock", said the singer for Maná.
For Latina Martina Arroyo, the president pointed out that her career as one of the first Puerto Rican women in classical music helped promote interest in the genre for new generations.
The soprano singer expressed her excitement, saying that the experience of winning the Kennedy Center award was something she had never felt.
"The diverse group of extraordinary individuals we honor today have not only proved to be the best of the best. Despite their success, their fame, they have stayed loyal to themselves and have inspired the rest of us to do the same," said President Obama.