"Some people are just born to run," Joe Biden told Bruce Springsteen.
US President Joe Biden presented Bruce Springsteen with the National Medal of Arts during the event which took place in the East Room of the White House.
The ceremony, which also awarded the National Humanitarian Medal, featured the 2021 honorees, who did not have the opportunity to receive their medals due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Bruce, some people are just born to run, man," Joe Biden told Bruce Springsteen, referencing his classic song "Born To Run," as he presented him with the National Medal of Arts, the US government's highest arts award .
Also honored with the 2021 National Medal of Arts were Gladys Knight (did not attend the event), Jose Feliciano (also unable to attend due to tour), Julia Louis-Dreyfus, artist Judith Francisca Baca, radio owner station Fred Eychaner, Mindy Kaling, International Association of Black Dancers, Billie Holiday Theater and painter Antonio Martorell Cardona.
Joe Biden emphasized to the gathered crowd how important the work of the honorees is, keeping US culture alive and reminding people of their nation's history, even the parts Americans would like to forget.
"You make the country better, you make it a better place," the US president told the assembled crowd before they left for the reception hosted by the White House.
Like the other honorees, Bruce Springsteen did not sing at the White House or speak to the audience after receiving his medal.
But the U.S. Marine Corps Band that often participates in ceremonies in the East Hall played instrumental renditions of Springsteen's hits "Born To Run" and "Born In The USA."
These are the first Arts and Humanities Medals awarded by Joe Biden during his tenure.
Last September, Joe Biden surprised Elton John and presented him with the US National Humanitarian Medal during a musical event at the White House.
