Redford, Turner honored at Kennedy Center

WASHINGTON -- The Tina Turner who showed up at the White House on Sunday was subdued in comparison with the performer who has been electrifying concert stages since the 1960s.

Still, she lit up a reception celebrating her and the four other recipients of this year's Kennedy Center honors -- Robert Redford, Tony Bennett, Suzanne Farrell and Julie Harris.

"I'm very excited," Turner told reporters.

President Bush drew some laughs when he noted of Turner, "People stand in wonder at the natural skill, the energy and sensuality, and the most famous legs in show business."

The legendary performers joined the president and first lady Laura Bush at the White House on Sunday afternoon.

"Each of these honorees, in a lifetime of achievement, has set a standard of excellence that is admired throughout the world," the president said.

Later Sunday, artists from around the world gathered at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to pay tribute to 28th annual class of honorees.

They are:

-- Turner, 66, has earned seven Grammy awards for hits such as "Proud Mary," "What's Love Got to Do With It" and "Better Be Good to Me."

-- Redford, 68, has starred in dozens of films, including "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Way We Were," "The Natural" and "Out of Africa." He also created the Sundance Institute to foster independent filmmaking.

-- Bennett, 79, is best known for songs such as "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and "The Best Is Yet to Come." He has won 11 Grammys and has enjoyed success with a younger audience in recent years.

-- Farrell, 60, was the lead dancer in such performances as "Meditation" and "The Nutcracker," both choreographed by George Balanchine at the New York City Ballet. She is now an instructor.

-- Harris, 80, has had a long acting career on stage and screen, winning a record six Tony awards. Her films include "The Member of the Wedding," "East of Eden" and "Reflections in a Golden Eye."

The Kennedy Center Honors will be broadcast Dec. 27 on CBS.

On the Net:

Kennedy Center Honors: www.kennedy-center.org/programs/ specialevents/honors/

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