Paul Simon has replaced Paul McCartney at the 25th annual Kennedy Center Honors taking place in Washington in December.
Last week, the former Beatle sent his regrets to the organizers of the Kennedy Center Honors, explaining that a personal obligation would not permit him to attend the ceremony on December 7.
McCartney’s name will be on the list for 2003 instead. No other details were given about McCartney’s bow out on the event and a call to his representatives were not returned at press time.
Simon was named as a replacement, whom the center said would have been honored in the future. Simon is being recognized for his work as a songwriter who helped to shape several generations of young Americans. James A. Johnson, chairman of the center said: “More recently, his work has encompassed an awareness of and concern for international art and artists.”
The other honorees named for the 25th annual honors at the John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts for 2002 are Elizabeth Taylor, James Earl Jones, Chita Rivera and James Levine.
