Individual and collective honors were bestowed on the surviving members of Led Zeppelin Sunday (12/2) at the Kennedy Center.  Robert Pant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones joined blues great Buddy Guy, Late Night host David Letterman, actor Dustin Hoffman and ballerina Natalia Marakova in receiving Kennedy Center Honors during the ceremony at the performing arts center named in honor of the former president.  There were plenty of laughs during the evening, including a few for President Obama, who joked, 'I worked with the speech writers - there is no smooth transition from ballet to Led Zeppelin.'  The President saluted Zeppelin's contribution to music and culture but added, '...these guys also redefined the rock & roll lifestyle' - and noted, '...it's fitting we're doing this in a room with windows that area about three inches thick - and Secret Service all around', adding, 'So, guys, just settle down.'  Bonnie Raitt, a life long admirer of Buddy Guy, was joined by Jeff Beck on guitar in her musical salute to Guy, who actor Morgan Freeman credited as having, '...mastered the soul of gut bucket.'  Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart brought the night to a close with their take on Stairway To Heaven.  Highlights from the ceremony will be televised December 26.
Plant, Page and Jones will be featured in a special edition of The Late Show with David Letterman Monday from DC.

Reuters

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