The Kennedy Center Honors, essentially the highest prize possible for American performing artists, will be awarded to four musical artists this year: Martina Arroyo, Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel and Carlos Santana (plus actress Shirley MacLaine).
Joel is probably the most popular of the artists deemed worthy this year. The piano man is the sixth best-selling musician in U.S. history, and has won six Grammys for his work. Despite having more than 30 Top 40 hits during his career, Joel is perhaps best known for his first single, "Piano Man."
Carlos Santana played guitar in the rock band that bears his last name, and earned respect by incorporating Latin American influence into the classic rock band's hits, such as "Black Magic Woman." Rolling Stone named him the 20th best guitarist ever.
Hancock is one of the most decorated jazz musicians of all time, having won 14 Grammys throughout his career, including one of two jazz albums to ever win Album of The Year ("River: The Joni Letters") in 2008. Two of his albums, "Headhunters" and "Future Shock," are among the best-selling jazz albums of all time, at nos. 2 and 4 respectively.
Arroyo had performed in 199 Metropolitan Opera performances (but we'll round it up to 200 when taking her European performances at the Zurich Opera into consideration). Her work in Germany made her a favorite for performing works by Wagner.
Santana and Arroyo's inclusions are especially relevant after complaints during 2012 that few Latin American performers have been included among the 180 total winners of Kennedy Center Honors. Santana moved to California from Mexico while he was a child, and Arroyo, a Puerto Rican, grew up in El Barrio, part of Harlem.
The awards ceremony will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on December 8.
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