Billy Joel, Herbie Hancock up for Kennedy Center Honors

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Martina Arroyo, Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel, Shirley MacLaine and Carlos Santana are to be recognized at the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony in Washington.

The artists are to be presented with their awards Dec. 8 at the Kennedy Center Opera House.

The program, which will be attended by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, will be televised Dec. 29 on CBS.

"The Kennedy Center celebrates five extraordinary individuals who have spent their lives elevating the cultural vibrancy of our nation and the world," Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein said in a statement Thursday.

"Martina Arroyo has dazzled the world with her glorious soprano voice and continues to share her artistry with a new generation of opera singers; Herbie Hancock has established himself as one of the most innovative musicians in the world, constantly breaking musical barriers and redefining the art of jazz; Billy Joel's melodies have provided the soundtrack of our lives for over four decades making him one pop music's most prolific and memorable singers and songwriters; the remarkable breadth and range of Shirley MacLaine's acting has left an indelible impression over a nearly 60-year career on stage and screen; from his legendary performance at Woodstock to his sweep at the 2000 Grammys and beyond, Carlos Santana's artistry transcends genres while entertaining millions."