Entertainers receive Kennedy accolades at White House

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

ENTERTAINMENT figures were praised by US President Barack Obama as he handed out Kennedy Centre awards to some notable recipients.

"I’m the president, but he’s The Boss," said Mr Obama as he greeted Bruce Springsteen at a White House reception.

The rocker was honoured as were Robert De Niro, comic genius Mel Brooks, jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck and opera singer Grace Bumbry.

The honours recognise individuals who have defined American culture through the arts as a living memorial to John F Kennedy.

"These performers are indeed the best," Obama said. "

"They are also living reminders of a single truth – and I’m going to steal a line from Michelle here – the arts are not somehow apart from our national life, the arts are the heart of our national life," he added.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Tuesday, December 08, 2009