KISS, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor to be Honored at 2025 Kennedy Center

[JamesG]

President Trump Spotlights 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees: American Icons in Performing Arts
The White House
August 13, 2025


Today, President Donald J. Trump proudly unveiled the honorees of the 48th Kennedy Center Honors, recognizing an extraordinary group of artists whose talents have shaped American culture and entertained generations.

These heroes of arts and culture will be celebrated at the annual Kennedy Center Honors Gala in December.



George Strait

Beloved by millions, Strait has become known the world over as the unambiguous “King of Country.” Over his extraordinary four-decade career, he has sold more than 120 million records worldwide, amassed 60 number-one hits, and produced 33 platinum-certified albums — more than any other living American.

He is the only act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for more than three decades. Offstage, Strait’s philanthropy has raised tens of millions of dollars for military and children’s causes, including through the Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation to preserve the memory of his daughter and by presenting 127 mortgage-free homes to wounded veterans through the Military Warriors Support Foundation.





Gloria Gaynor

Among the most revered singers of the American disco era, Gaynor’s chart-topping 1978 hit “I Will Survive” earned her the 1980 Grammy Award for Best Disco Recording — with her song inducted into the National Recording Registry in 2016.

Four decades later, Gloria won a second Grammy in 2020 for her gospel album “Testimony” — a historic achievement.





KISS

Among the greatest rock bands of all time, KISS was formed in New York City in 1973 by founding members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss.

The band would go on to become a global phenomenon, selling more than 100 million records worldwide, producing 30 gold albums — the most ever by an American band — and earning an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/...nter-honorees/

[biffbronson]

Also musicians Bonnie Raitt and Grateful Dead, and other honorees...

"The 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees include:

Francis Ford Coppola - Acclaimed director and filmmaker.
Grateful Dead - Legendary American rock band (Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, Bobby Weir).
Bonnie Raitt - Blues rock singer-songwriter and guitarist.
Arturo Sandoval - Jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer.
The Apollo - Recognized as an iconic American institution.


Additionally, other honorees announced include:
George Strait - Country music star.
KISS - Hard rock legends.
Sylvester Stallone - Hollywood legend known for "Rocky".
Michael Crawford - Broadway star.
Gloria Gaynor - Disco diva."

[JamesG]

Originally Posted by biffbronson

"The 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees include:

Francis Ford Coppola - Acclaimed director and filmmaker.
Grateful Dead - Legendary American rock band (Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, Bobby Weir).
Bonnie Raitt - Blues rock singer-songwriter and guitarist.
Arturo Sandoval - Jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer.
The Apollo - Recognized as an iconic American institution.

They were honored at last year's ceremony.

[biffbronson]

Thanks, I don't know why my online source lumped the years together. I think I did see Bonnie Raitt there last time.