Bill T. Jones is the best choreographic Artist as choreography is by the legendary Bill T. Jones is a passion, who has won two of the last four Tony’s for choreography for FELA! and for Spring Awakening. Jones has single-handedly redefined Broadway dance, introducing street dance and his own unconventional modern movement to thrilling effect.

Jones, who was the mastermind behind “Fela!” received a Tony Award for choreographing that show. He also received a Tony for his “Spring Awakening” choreography, and has worked with opera companies, ballet troupes and theaters all over the world. Claire Danes pays tribute to him, as well as his dance company.

Herman, of course, composed for some of Broadway’s biggest classics: “Mame,” “Hello Dolly!” and “La Cage aux Folles,” which is currently enjoying a Broadway revival.

The thirty-third Kennedy Center Honours opened with Caroline KennedyCaroline Kennedy.

Nineteen ninety five Kennedy Center Honouree Sidney Portier comes out and begins by saying, “my friend Oprah,” words he says trop lightly off of his tongue. Portier adds that Oprah is what a social network should be. He says Oprah has humanity, passion, and two chairs; next two chairs appear on stage, one is turned backwards; the other has actor John TravoltaJohn Travolta who spoke on how Oprah used him and said that Oprah never asks anyone to give something she hasn’t already given.  He then went on the play a game called Oprah is so rich… Barbara Walters introduced a special treat for Oprah – a song from the Broadway musical “The Colour Purple” performed by Jennifer HudsonJennifer Hudson who was joined by the choir from Oprah’s alma mater Tennessee State University.

Kennedy Center Honouree Edward AlbeeEdward Albee introduced two time Tony Award winning choreographer Bill T. Jones. Albee called Jones a man of average height until you see him dance, then he stands taller than other men.  Jones may have entered college as a track star but a dance class taught him to soar. After meeting Arnie Zane the pair formed a dance company that stood the dance world on its head. Only six years after forming the company Zane died as a result of AIDS, but Jones continued on breaking all the rules of dance to create his own. Claire DanesClaire Danes referred to Jones as an inspiration. Jones dance company the Bill T. Jones, Arnie Zane Dance Company performed.

Landsbury concluded her speech with, “its so nice to have you back where you belong.” After a video package of Herman’s music and life, Kelsey Grammar came out to speak on Herman. Responsible for such hit shows as “Hello Dolly”, “La Cage aux Folles”, and “Mame”; Herman started writing musical in college and made his Broadway debut at age 25. The musical tribute to Jerry Herman began with Carol Channing singing a few lines from her signature song “Hello Dolly” only she replaced the name Dolly with Jerry. The musical tribute continued featuring songs from Herman’s musicals; performers included Matthew Morrison, Chita Rivera, and Angela Landsbury.

Haggard is the poet for the common man. After a video clip on Haggard’s life, which included a stint in St. Quinton prison, Miranda Lambert and Chris Kristofferson began the musical tribute to Haggard. Other performers presenting a musical tribute to Haggard were Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, 1998 Kennedy Center Honouree Willie Nelson, Jamie Johnson, and Kid Rock.