Billy Joel and Downton Abbey actress Shirley MacLaine were among the five recipients of this year's Kennedy Center Honors.
Composer Herbie Hancock, guitarist Carlos Santana and opera singer Martina Arroyo were also recognized for their achievements by President Barack Obama at the White House on Sunday (December 8).
Singer Joel described the honor as "a little overwhelming". He said: "This is coming more from my country than just people who come to see me."
The ceremony was held ahead of a concert at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which included Kathy Bates paying tribute to Oscar winner MacLaine.
Tony Bennett introduced Joel, while Snoop Dogg appeared on stage to celebrate Hancock's career.
"Herbie, we love you baby," the rapper said. "Thank you for creating hip-hop."
Don Henley and Garth Brooks also took to the stage to perform songs from Joel's discography, while Harry Belafonte described Santana as "a citizen of the world".
"Carlos, you haven't transcended race and origin. Really, who of us has?" said the singer, who received the same prize himself in 1989.
"You continue to be informed by the immigrant experience on the journey to the great American dream."
MacLaine and brother Warren Beatty - who was honored in 2004 - are the only siblings to win a Kennedy Center prize.
President Obama said: "The diverse group of extraordinary individuals we honor today haven't just proven themselves to be the best of the best.
"Despite all their success, all their fame, they've remained true to themselves and inspired the rest of us to do the same."
This year's concert will be broadcast on CBS in the US on December 29.
Shirley MacLaine will return to ITV drama Downton Abbey on Christmas Day.