Remarks at the Kennedy Center Honors Reception December 7, 2003
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1768 Dec. 7 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2003 Remarks at the Kennedy Center To this day, millions of Americans can in- Honors Reception stantly recall sketches and characters from December 7, 2003 the Carol Burnett Show. Whether she was playing Eunice or the Scrub Woman or Thank you all very much. Good evening, Starlett O’Hara in ‘‘Went With The Wind’’— and welcome to the White House. Laura and [laughter]—viewers could always sense the I are pleased to have you all here, and we person behind the character, the sweetness, are so honored to be a part of this annual the sincerity, and the wonderful spirit of tradition. We especially welcome the 2003 Carol Burnett. Kennedy Center honorees and their family Through the years in such performances and their friends. as ‘‘Same Time Next Year,’’ Carol has also Every year, the Kennedy Center pays trib- shown the depth and range of her talent. In ute to five outstanding artists. Each group her good life, she has been a beloved enter- of honorees is an interesting mix. [Laughter] tainer, a devoted mom, and a faithful friend. This year, for example, we have a director She is a cheerful and graceful presence in whose best films are known to all. We have American life, and America honors Carol an actress who has created characters we all Burnett. remember, who, I’m told, still does a mighty All great performances in front of a camera good Tarzan yell. [Laughter] And the three involve an artistic vision behind the camera, musicians with us are among the most recog- and few have spent more years at the top nized in the world. They’re not known to of the directing profession than Mike Nich- have performed together—[laughter]—but ols. His name on a production signifies qual- the sight of all three on the same stage is ity, intelligence, and high artistic standards. a picture to remember. His credits include some of the most memo- The Kennedy Center Honors recognize rable films of the last two generations. ‘‘The great contributions to American culture. Graduate’’ was a hit movie and a triumph Each of the honorees is here because of their that has held up over time. hard effort and superior performance The best directors are always extending through an entire career. themselves, and Mike Nichols has turned his Only one honoree was born in Texas. gifts to films as varied as ‘‘Catch-22,’’ ‘‘Who’s [Laughter] That person is Carol Burnett, Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’’ and ‘‘Working who spent her early years in San Antonio. Girl.’’ Young Carol went off into the world, and the He is equally respected for his career on world took a liking to her from the start. She Broadway, first as a performer, then as direc- is today one of the most recognized and tor of the original ‘‘Odd Couple’’ and ‘‘Bare- warmly regarded entertainers in America. foot in the Park.’’ The medal Mike Nichols For her first performance in acting class wears this evening is the latest in a collection at UCLA, the teacher gave Carol Burnett a of other well-deserved honors, including the ‘‘D-’’. [Laughter] But Carol found, as have Oscar, the Emmy, the Tony, and the I—[laughter]—that one bad grade or two— Grammy. [laughter]—is not the end of the road. A movie critic once said that Mike Nichols’ [Laughter] greatest talent may be his ability to bring out By the end of her freshman year, she was the best in performers, and that is another named ‘‘Most Outstanding Newcomer.’’ reason why Mike Nichols is among the finest. Within a few years, she became a star on Mike has summed up his career this way: Broadway and a television favorite on the ‘‘I have been in love with movies all my life. Winchell-Mahoney Show and the Garry Directing them is like getting to marry this Moore Show. In the sixties and seventies, girl you followed around for years and years.’’ Carol’s own variety show ran 11 years and I don’t know how long he followed around received more than 20 Emmys. Every week, Diane Sawyer—[laughter]—but she is here Carol performed one of the most difficult to share in this very proud moment. feats in all of show business, playing it And Mike’s parents, who brought their lit- straight with Tim Conway. [Laughter] tle boy to America from Nazi Germany, VerDate jul 14 2003 11:34 Dec 16, 2003 Jkt 203250 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P50DET4.012 P50DET4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2003 / Dec. 7 1769 would also be proud of their son. And tonight goes by other titles. Some men are too cool we are really proud to honor this fine man, to only have one nickname. James Brown has Mike Nichols. been called ‘‘Mr. Dynamite,’’ ‘‘Soul Brother During this evening’s reception, we will Number One,’’ and of course, ‘‘The God- hear music from the Marine Band. I suspect father of Soul.’’ Many names fit him, but that these fine musicians are thrilled to be there’s no one else like him. And in a career in the presence of one of the greatest violin- of more than 50 years, he has earned the ists of his age or any other. reputation as a live performer with no equal As it happens, Laura and I were guests and as an institution of rock and roll. in this very room when Itzhak Perlman per- He grew up in Georgia, knowing many of formed for President and Mrs. Reagan. That the toils and struggles of an earlier time. He audience, like every audience to hear this worked hard and took his own path. He re- man, was captivated by his music and ceived guidance along the way from many charmed by his presence. According to a re- sources, from his Aunt Honey, who raised view of a recent concert in Minneapolis, him, to the first preachers and gospel musi- ‘‘Perlman maintained an intimate rapport cians he heard. with the audience. For instance, he kept He joined a band that called itself ‘‘The them updated on the score of the World Se- Famous Flames.’’ It took only a short while ries between pieces.’’ [Laughter] He was before the name was changed, by general clearly having fun, and so was his audience. agreement, to ‘‘James Brown and the Fa- The sound of a violin first called to him mous Flames.’’ [Laughter] When you hear over the radio when he was just 3 years old. the title of a James Brown song, right away The Perlmans gave their boy a toy fiddle. you can picture him singing it, ‘‘I Feel He soon exhausted the possibilities of that Good,’’ ‘‘Please, Please, Please,’’ ‘‘Papa’s Got instrument. Armed with a real violin, he was a Brand New Bag,’’ ‘‘Living in America.’’ onstage with orchestras in Tel Aviv and Jeru- Since he first achieved fame in the 1950s, salem and by the age 10 had given his first James has posted 98 entries on Billboard’s solo recital. Top 40 R&B Singles Chart, more than any America first came to know him 3 years other performer. Bonnie Raitt has described later, when in 1958 he played ‘‘Flight of the James Brown’s place in music history this Bumblebee’’ on the Ed Sullivan show. From way, ‘‘You couldn’t even list how many peo- that day to this, Itzhak Perlman has had a ple have been influenced by him. In the unique hold on the respect and affection of Mount Rushmore of musical figures, he defi- all who love classical music. nitely would be on it.’’ He has played with every major orchestra Of course, on that Mount Rushmore of in the world. He’s collected more than a music, the sculptor would have to pay par- dozen Grammys, enthralled listeners with a ticular attention to the hair. [Laughter] repertoire stretching from baroque to con- James is the first to tell you that the look temporary, and touched millions of filmgoers is important to his success. Here’s what he with the pure and haunting solos in says, ‘‘Hair is the first thing, and teeth are ‘‘Schindler’s List.’’ the second.’’ [Laughter] ‘‘Hair and teeth, a Critics have written of Perlman’s technical man got these two things, he’s got it all.’’ mastery, the rich tone and faultless intona- [Laughter] tion. And all who have seen him play are The truth is, James Brown was being aw- struck by the apparent ease with which he fully modest. Along with the look, this man plays the most demanding of instruments. is blessed with incredible talent, undeniable This good soul has been given a singular tal- stage presence, and the discipline of a true ent, and in sharing it he has brought much professional. He’s still on the road and living beauty into the world. For that, we are all it up—living up to that other nickname, ‘‘the honored to be in the presence of Maestro hardest working man in show business.’’ Our Itzhak Perlman. congratulations to James Joe Brown, Junior. Speaking of soul—[laughter]—James ‘‘Bu- We are delighted to welcome our final tane’’ Brown is in the house. Of course, he honoree to the White House. Loretta Lynn VerDate jul 14 2003 11:34 Dec 16, 2003 Jkt 203250 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P50DET4.012 P50DET4 1770 Dec. 7 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2003 even mentioned the White House in one of that unanimous opinion is expressed once her songs.