President Joe Biden honored Gladys Knight at the White House on Tuesday, presenting the music legend with a National Medal of Arts.
Knight was among nearly two dozen people and organizations recognized for achievements in the arts and humanities.
While handing out the medals, Biden referred to Knight as the “Empress of Soul” and said he’s a longtime fan.
“I’m crazy about her music,” he shared. “Gladys, as I said before, you’re truly one of the best things ever to happen, in terms of music. I’m a fan.”
The “Midnight Train to Georgia” singer hugged the president as he put the medal around her neck.
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Biden also recognized You People actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus and teased her about playing a politician on the HBO series Veep, which debuted in 2012 when Biden was vice president.
“And my friend, President Julia Louis-Dreyfus,” he said. “I want to, I’m going to talk with Julia later about whether she liked being VP or President better. I got to figure that one out. ”
Below is the full list of honorees. Watch the video above.
National Medal of Arts
Judith Francisca Baca, artist
Fred Eychaner, philanthropist
Jose Feliciano, musician
Mindy Kaling, actor
Gladys Knight, musician
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, actor
Antonio Martorell-Cardona, painter
Joan Shigekawa, producer and arts administrator
Bruce Springsteen, musician
Vera Wang, designer
The Billie Holiday Theatre
The International Association of Blacks in Dance
National Humanities Medal
Richard Blanco, writer
Johnnetta Betsch Cole, anthropologist
Walter Isaacson, writer
Earl Lewis, historian
Henrietta Mann, Native American academic
Ann Patchett, writer
Bryan Stevenson, lawyer and activist
Amy Tan, writer
Tara Westover, writer
Colson Whitehead, writer
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