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Obama lauded the five honorees, including pianist Martha
Argerich and rock band the Eagles, at a White House ceremony
that will be his last before stepping down in January.
"The arts are always central to American life," he said, noting
a string of performances his family had enjoyed over eight years
at the White House. "This is one of the perks of the job that I
will miss."
Politics and the recent election of Republican Donald Trump to
the presidency influenced the atmosphere of the evening. Host
Stephen Colbert opened the show with a welcome to "endangered
swamp dwellers," a reference to Trump's pledge to drain "the
swamp" of Washington when his administration begins.
The surprise appearance of former President Bill Clinton with a
tribute to Taylor also underscored the results of the election,
in which his wife, former Secretary of State and Democratic
nominee Hillary Clinton, lost to Trump.
Still, the evening belonged to the honorees and the performers
who feted them. Singers Darius Rucker, Sheryl Crow, and Garth
Brooks sent up Taylor, who is known for hits such as "Sweet Baby
James" and "You've got a Friend."
"He has been and he still is the sweet and steady voice of our
better angels," Clinton said of Taylor.
Actor Pacino, star of "The Godfather" and "Scent of a Woman,"
drew praise from friend and fellow actor Sean Penn for making
the gods of acting smile.
"I'll Take You There" singer Staples told reporters she was
honored to be part of the last group of awardees under Obama.
"It feels wonderful," she said. "I'm really happy."
Classical pianist Martha Argerich, a one-time child prodigy from
Argentina, was feted by opera great Placido Domingo for her
spirit.
Rock band the Eagles, famous for songs such as "Hotel
California," "Take it Easy," and "Desperado," were honored with
performances by singers including Vince Gill and Bob Seger. The
night was shadowed in some sadness, however; band member Glenn
Frey died in January.
Don Henley, Timothy Schmit, and Joe Walsh were present in his
absence.
"We miss him terribly," Schmit told reporters.
The program will be broadcast by CBS on Dec. 27.
(Additional reporting by Yegenah Torbati)
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