Comedy legend Mel Brooks, actor/producer Robert De Niro, jazz icon
Dave Brubeck and the Boss -- Bruce Springsteen -- are among the
notable names who will be celebrated at this year's Kennedy Center
Honors.

CBS and the Kennedy Center revealed this year's honorees Wednesday
morning. The awards will be handed out in a primetime special to air
Wednesday, Dec. 29 at 9 p.m.

In addition to Brooks, DeNiro, Brubeck and Springsteen, the Kennedy
Center will also honor opera singer Grace Bumbry.

"This year, the Kennedy Center celebrates five extraordinary
individuals whose unique and abundant artistry has contributed
significantly to the cultural life of our nation and the world," said
Kennedy Center Chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman.

Schwarzman noted that with "his hilarious movies and musicals, Mel
Brooks has created comedic gems that will keep us laughing for years
to come. Dave Brubeck's genius has dazzled us for six decades and has
helped to define an American art form. Grace Bumbry helped to break
the color barrier on her way to one of the most illustrious operatic
careers in the 20th century. One of America's greatest cinematic
actors, Robert De Niro has demonstrated a legendary commitment to his
characters and has co-founded one of the world's major film
festivals. With his gritty and honest songs that speak to the
everyman, Bruce Springsteen has always had his finger on the pulse of
America."