From left actress Barbara Cook, singer Neil Diamond, musician Yo-Yo Ma, musician Sonny Rollins and actress Meryl Streep listen while President Barack Obama speaks during a Kennedy Center Honors reception in the East Room of the December 4, 2011in Washington, DC. For their accomplishments and contributions to the arts actress Meryl Streep, singer Neil Diamond, actress Barbara Cook, musician Yo-Yo Ma, and musician Sonny Rollins where etched recognized as this year's recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors. UPI/Brendan Smialowski/Pool