Okay, so the Kennedy Center probably doesn’t need our help to cast the annual tribute show — this year honoring Barbra Streisand, George Jones, Morgan Freeman, choreographer Twyla Tharp and The Who’s Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey. But then again, after that Jessica Simpson-does-Dolly debacle a couple of years ago, you can’t be certain…. So, who do you want to see honoring these artists come December? I’m particularly concerned about who’s going to sing the greatest country song ever, George Jones’ "He Stopped Loving Her Today" (below).
If you’ve got favorite Kennedy Center Honors moments, list ‘em. (If you’ve never seen Mikhail Baryshnikov dance, I suggest you watch his tribute, introduced by the late, great Gregory Hines.)
I think that Alan Jackson would be a great pick for a George Jones tribute. For Morgan Freeman, how about his Electric Company castmates, Rita Moreno, Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder?
Based on VH1 Rock Honors, Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters would do well for The Who.
I would love to see Harry Connick, Jr. as part of the George Jones tribute. Harry is a big fan of George Jones and performed a stellar version of ‘She Thinks I Still Care” on a PBS special a few years ago.
George and Harry also dueted together on Harry’s last Christmas album.
I think Clint Eastwood (who directed him to his Oscar) would be a great choice to come out, say some kind words about Morgan Freeman and introduce a the video package honoring his career. The package would be narrated by Freeman, of course.
Also, maybe get Mike Myers to honor Barbra Streisand in character as Linda Richman. That I’d watch (“Love Guru”, not so much).
Kelly Clarkson singing some Barbra Streisand. The voice needs to be just as incredible, but different enough not to be impersonation.
I want to see the cast of Swingtown singing Afternoon Delight.
I was thinking Lyle Lovett or George Strait to honor George Jones.
How about Tina Turner & Elton John doing their songs from “Tommy” for Townshend & Daltrey. Baryshnikov for Twarp since they’ve collaborated quite a few times. Clint Eastwood for Freeman, of course. Kris Kristofferson for Streisand
Kristin Chenowith singing a Streisand song.
I’d love to see Linda Eder do some Streisand…though their constant comparisons might be a bit of a sore spot for Babs.
George Jones should be Vince Gill, I think he could do “He Stopped Loving Her Today” due justice. Ditto on Clint Eastwood for Morgan Freeman and Tina Turner and/or Elton John for The Who. And I don’t care about the rest of the list.
It would be great to see Baryshnikov do the introduction for Twyla Tharp since, as orville says, they collaborated a lot and kind of provided each other’s “breakthroughs.” It would also be great to see a high-caliber ballet company (or her own dancers) do part of “Push Comes to Shove” or “Sinatra Suite.” My biggest beef with the Kennedy Center honors is the actual performance segments are so short.
That Gregory Hines tribute to Baryshnikov clip brought a tear. Wonderful.
Kander and Ebb in 1998. They had a mixture of the old Broadway stars singing with the current Broadway stars on some of the best songs ever. I was moved.
Also, the Judith Jameson tribute in 1999 was fantastic.
My secret’s out: I love musicals and dancing.
Morgan Freeman’s tribute MUST include an Electric Company reference.
Elton John SHOULD be a part of the Who.
As for Babs, Mariah Carey?