Washington is often a place of strange bedfellows, and this was especially true last night, when President Barack Obama recognized Led Zeppelin, Buddy Guy, David Letterman, Dustin Hoffman and ballerina Natalia Makarova at the Kennedy Center Honors.
The awards ceremony is an annual event to salute those who have influenced American culture.
"I worked with the speechwriters - there is no smooth transition from ballet to Led Zeppelin," Mr. Obama quipped while introducing Messrs. Page, Plant, Jones and the late John Bonham in the White House East Room.
After citing Led Zeppelin's contributions to music, Mr.Obama noted the band's legendary hard-partying past. "Of course, these guys also redefined the rock 'n' roll lifestyle," the president said, "so it's fitting that we're doing this in a room with windows that are about three inches thick - and Secret Service all around. So, guys, just settle down."
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Joe is a freelance journalist who has, over the past few decades, interviewed hundreds of guitarists for Guitar World, Guitar Player, MusicRadar and Classic Rock. He is also a former editor of Guitar World, contributing writer for Guitar Aficionado and VP of A&R for Island Records. He’s an enthusiastic guitarist, but he’s nowhere near the likes of the people he interviews. Surprisingly, his skills are more suited to the drums. If you need a drummer for your Beatles tribute band, look him up.
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