Sturgill Simpson Tributes Joan Baez With Performance Of “House Of The Rising Sun” At 43rd Kennedy Center Honors

Boot Kickin' Mayhem June 6, 2021

Sturgill Simpson honored Joan Baez during the 43rd Kennedy Center Honors with a wowing tribute performance on Sunday, June 6.

Following an introduction from Tom Morello, the country singer paid tribute to the singer-songwriter and Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer with a performance of “House Of The Rising Sun,” a classic hit from her debut album. The Grammy-award winning country singer was joined by the symphony Orchestra to perform the iconic hit.

The 43rd Kennedy Center Honors featured tribute performances from Rhiannon Giddens, Emmylou Harris, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kelly Clarkson, James Taylor, Gladys Knight, Jimmie Allen, Derek Hough, Laura Osnes, Aaron Tveit, Pentatonix, Yo-Yo Ma, Gil Shaham, Adele Anthony, Hilary Hahn, Randall Goosby and Midori’s Orchestra Residencies Program.

Additionally, the 2-hour awards ceremony included a star-studded list of presenters, including Jackson Browne, Phoebe Bridgers, Tom Morello, Bradley Cooper, Jason Aldean, John Travolta, Wayne Gretzky, Julie Andrews, Bryan Cranston, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Chita Rivera, Steve Martin, Gustavo Dudamel, John Lithgow, and Bette Midler.

Hosted by Gloria Estefan, the 2021 Kennedy Center Honors aired on Sunday, June 6 at 8/7c, exclusively on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.