The annual Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, recently held in Washington, D.C., once again shone a spotlight on iconic figures from the entertainment world. This year’s honorees included the King of Country Music, George Strait, alongside cultural legends such as KISS, Sylvester Stallone, Broadway star Michael Crawford, and disco pioneer Gloria Gaynor.
In a notable twist, the venue has been renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, reflecting President Donald Trump’s increased involvement with the organization during his second term. This includes his appointment of Lee Greenwood, a country music artist, to the board and restructuring the leadership with a fresh team focused on the arts.
The Kennedy Center, originally known as The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, serves as a living tribute to President John F. Kennedy. It has honored numerous country music legends over the years, including Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, and Merle Haggard, acknowledging their contributions to the genre.
This year, several celebrated country artists participated in honoring Strait. Notable performances included Miranda Lambert delivering a stunning rendition of “Run,” while the duo Brooks & Dunn took the stage with their beloved hit “Amarillo by Morning.” Released in 1982 from his album “Strait from the Heart,” “Amarillo by Morning” has transcended time, solidifying its status as a classic in country music, despite not reaching the #1 spot on charts during its release.
Strait has often referred to this song as his favorite, highlighting its enduring popularity in dance halls where it was requested frequently. His sentiment about the song encapsulates its significance within the country music community.
Brooks & Dunn, known for their vocal prowess, delivered a memorable performance that showcased their admiration for Strait’s lasting impact on the genre. Their tribute exemplified the excellence expected of country music performers, and many anticipate that they, too, will be recognized at the Kennedy Center in the future.
The entire ceremony is set to air tonight on CBS and will also be available for streaming on Paramount+. The anticipation for the full performance of “Amarillo by Morning” reflects the enduring legacy of George Strait and the celebration of country music’s rich heritage.