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.)
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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?
My picks to sing George Jones: Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, or George Strait. Unfortunately, the Kennedy Center Honors doesn’t really know what to do with country stars, as evidenced by their choice of Jessica Simpson to sing during Dolly’s tribute. Honestly, I was surprised Dolly didn’t sue them for defamation of character! So, judging by their past choices, they’ll probably get a Jonas brother or David Archuleta (whom I both like, but are SO very wrong) to sing “He Stopped Loving Her Today”. At which point, a part of my soul will die.
Freeman- The original and current casts of The Electric Company
Jones- Randy Travis
Babs- Ear plugs. Kidding. Linda Edder.
A favorite moment, among many:
Christopher and Charlotte d’Amboise’s dance tribute to their father, Jacques d’Amboise, choreographed by Christopher. (This used to be up at YouTube, but can’t find it anymore.)
Get Audra McDonald for the Babs tribute. She is an unabashed admirer and a marvelous performer in her own right.
Great ideas from everyone. I thought of Vince first for the George Jones numbers, but I like the sound of this Harry Connick situation
Electric Compnay idea for MF is terrific.
The Babs situation is impossible, they should just ask her.
George- George Strait or Randy Travis would be classic; Morgan Freeman- theonly person I ever think of when I hear Morgan Freeman is Tim Robbins (best.movie.ever.); the others, who knows.
Audra McDonald would be perfect for the Streisand tribute. I can already hear her singing Evergreen. Tim Robbins and Clint Eastwood should do the Morgan Freeman tribute and the Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam should honor The Who.
I’d like to see the male singer during the gala sing for morgan freemon.I believe his name is perry?
Vince Gill for George Jones, Diana Ross for Barbara, Clint Eastwood for Freeman, Elton John for the Who, and Billy Joel for Twyla.
Favorite Kennedy Center Honors moments:
Fred Astaire singing Putting on the Ritz, Bob Hope serenaded by the armed forces, Danny Kaye getting sung to by the kids, Jimmy Cagney honored by Baryshnakopf, Jessye Norman singing for Sidney Poitier………………The best show of the year……….ANY YEAR!!!!!!I cant wait as usual!!!!!!!
Is Paul Taylor still alive? His choreography would be an awesome tribute to Twyla.
My favorite Kennedy Center Honors moment is Heather Headley singing YOUR SONG to Sir Elton John.
A beautifully performed tribute to the living legend made especially poignant because of her breakthrough roles in his Tony winning musicals THE LION KING and AIDA.
For the life of me I cannot understand why the powers that be haven’t nominated Doris Day for Kennedy Center Honors. A singer, movie star, TV star, and animal activist and a legend. She should’ve been honored long ago. She is far superior in talent than probably 90% of your nominees. It is a disgrace that she hasn’t been honored.
My favorite moment was the Carol Burnett honor when Julie Andrews, Bernadette Peters, Elain Stritch, Chita Rivera and others dressed as Carol’s characters. When they sang “I’m so glad we had this time together” at the end I cried!!
Definitely Clint Eastwood for Morgan Freeman, yes to Elton John for The Who. I would go with George Strait for George Jones and for Barbra, just a stick of buttah! Celine Dion I’m sure would be more than honored to belt out a few Streisand tunes.
A shame they couldn’t find people who could actually sing Barbra’s music.
With the exception of the last song, “Somewhere” which was sung by a whole group so you couldn’t hear any individual voice, the other performances were terrible.
You have no equal Babs!