The 42nd annual Kennedy Center Honors aired Sunday night, inducting icons who have made a cultural impact on this generation. 

Earth, Wind and Fire made history by becoming the first Black group and the first R&B group to be inducted, reports the Washington Post.

Throughout the event, which was held in Washington, D.C., the inductees were celebrated with musical and spoken tributes. 

The soul group was praised with a spoken tribute by David Foster, who co-wrote the group’s hit “After The Love Has Gone.” John Legend sang “Can’t Hide Love," Ne-Yo crooned “Shining Star” and Cynthia Erivo performed “Reasons.” David Copperfield also gave a spoken tribute. 

One tribute for the multi-genre band has left some fans exceedingly underwhelmed quite disappointed. 

The Jonas Brothers were tapped to perform Earth, Wind and Fire’s 1979 success “Boogie Wonderland.”


When fans of the R&B group heard the JoBros were slated to do the tribute, they were understandably apprehensive.

After the performance, the critiques didn’t get much better, with Earth, Wind and Fire followers pointing out the breakout Disney stars didn’t have the soul to match the song, saying their tribute was “unseasoned."

Fans also realized the trio of brothers didn’t seem to actually know the lyrics.

After the less than satisfactory tribute to a soulful band, the other singers joined them onstage for an ensemble performance of “September.”

Band members Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson and Verdine White took the night to remember their bandmate Maurice White, who died in 2016. White suffered from Parkinson’s disease for many years, which forced him to stop touring with his band. He was the founder and leader of the band and served as the main songwriter and co-lead singer. 

“You can’t play any Earth Wind & Fire songs without Maurice’s DNA being on it, so he’s always here and we’re always celebrating him and his vision,” Johnson told Billboard. “People are still coming together and having fun.”

Actress Sally Field, singer Linda Ronstadt, conductor Michael Tilson Thomas and Sesame Street were all honored by the Kennedy Center as well. 

“In this class of honorees, we are witnessing a uniquely American story: one that is representative of so many cultural touchstones and musical moments that make our nation great,” Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter said. “When I look at this class, I see the hopes, aspirations, and achievements not just of these honorees, but of the many generations they have influenced and continue to influence. We’re not just looking back; these honorees are urging us to look forward as well.”

The inclusion of the popular children's show, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, marks the first time a television show has been inducted. 

Entertainment mogul LL Cool J, who was honored back in 2017, served as the night’s host.

Earth-Wind-And-FireJonas BrothersKennedy Center Honors