The Kennedy Center honorees for the year 2020 are:

  • Debbie Allen
  • Joan Baez
  • Garth Brooks
  • Midori (violinist Midori Goto)
  • Dick Van Dyke

Quick scoop

  • The 2020 class represents a mix of dance, folk music, country, classical music, and television/film comedy, reflecting the Honors’ focus on lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
  • These honorees were part of the first Kennedy Center Honors class presented during the COVID-era, with the celebration reimagined for health and safety while still spotlighting their careers.

Honorees at a glance

  • Debbie Allen – Choreographer, dancer, actress, and director known for “Fame” and major work in theater, TV, and arts education.
  • Joan Baez – Influential folk singer and activist whose music was central to the 1960s civil rights and antiwar movements.
  • Garth Brooks – Country music superstar with massive album sales and stadium tours, a defining figure in modern country.
  • Midori – World-renowned classical violinist recognized for virtuosity and extensive educational and outreach work.
  • Dick Van Dyke – Iconic actor and comedian known for “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “Mary Poppins,” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.