Bruce Springsteen received the National Medal of Arts last Tuesday, the 21st. Presented by President Joe Biden, this is an honor bestowed upon "artists and patrons of the arts" in the United States.
According to Consequence of Sound , the medal presentation ceremony was originally scheduled for 2021, but was canceled due to the pandemic and rescheduled for last Tuesday, the 21st. The event was held in the East Room of the White House.
On that occasion, the master of ceremonies cited Bruce Springsteen's "extraordinary contributions" to the American Songbook, a list of the most famous songs in the country's popular culture. Furthermore, the singer's introductory speech was humorous: "And [also] for being 'the boss'," a comment that provoked laughter from those present.
"One of our finest performers and storytellers, Bruce Springsteen's music celebrates our triumphs, heals our wounds, and gives us hope, capturing the unwavering spirit of what it means to be American," the speech concluded.
The medal is the highest individual honor bestowed upon an artist on behalf of the American people. Watch below.
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