Stevie Wonder received the Kennedy Center Honors in 1999.
The Kennedy Center Honors recognize artists for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts. Wonder was among the honorees selected for the 22nd annual ceremony, held in Washington, D.C., in December 1999.
By that point, Wonder had already built a career spanning nearly four decades. His achievements included influential recordings, major songwriting successes, extensive charitable work, and a central role in modern American popular music.
The Kennedy Center Honors are separate from the National Medal of Arts, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Wonder received several of those other honors as well, but they occurred in different years and represent different institutions.