Billy Joel received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2013. He was one of five honorees selected for the 36th annual Kennedy Center Honors, which recognized major contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
The other 2013 honorees were opera singer Martina Arroyo, jazz musician Herbie Hancock, actress Shirley MacLaine, and guitarist Carlos Santana. The official gala took place in Washington, D.C., in December, with the nationally televised ceremony airing later that month.
Joel’s tribute celebrated more than four decades of songwriting and performance. Artists including Tony Bennett, Don Henley, Garth Brooks, Rufus Wainwright, and Brendon Urie performed or participated in tributes to his work. The honor is separate from Joel’s Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, and Songwriters Hall of Fame induction, which occurred in different years.