WASHINGTON, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Five of the nation's top contributors to the arts world were honored Dec. 7 at the 26th Annual Kennedy Center Honors.
The careers of rhythm and blues musician James Brown, comedian Carol Burnett, country singer/songwriter Loretta Lynn, theatre and film director Mike Nichols and classical violinist Itzhak Perlman were celebrated during a gala performance at the Kennedy Center's Opera House. President George Bush and Laura Bush, as well as international entertainers, attended the event.
The honorees received their awards Dec. 6 at an event hosted by Secretary of State Colin Powell, with the gala celebration following the next night.
The Honors recipients are recognized for their lifetime contributions to American culture in the categories of dance, music, theatre, opera, motion pictures and television, with excellence serving as the primary criterion.
The 26th Annual Kennedy Center Honors will be broadcast Dec. 26 on CBS.
