The Boss...

Every year the Kennedy Center Honors upholds a tradition of recognizing the lifelong accomplishments and extraordinary talents of individuals whom, whether we know it or not, help to shape our lives.

I took a timeout from sports last night and watched the two-hour award ceremony, honoring the five new inductees. As far as I'm concerned they saved the best for last as the final 45 minutes of the program focused on "The Boss" Bruce Springsteen.

Of course, the other four inductees--writer, composer, actor, director, and producer Mel Brooks; pianist and composer Dave Brubeck; opera singer Grace Bumbry; along with actor, director, and producer Robert De Niro--were certainly worthy individuals of the prestigious award, but Springsteen still blows his followers away with his talents as a performer and songwriter.I struggle at times to put a few words together on this blog and sometimes fail miserably.

It is not an easy undertaking to string words together, like Springsteen does, that can actually change the thoughts and attitudes of millions and millions of people. I am in awe of "The Boss" and, last  night, I took it all in as the likes of John Mellencamp, Melissa Etheridge and Sting brought the house down as they performed a string of Springsteen hits.

Over the years, I've witnessed the performances of many rock stars and I can barely make out a word or two, much less a lyric, as they rattle away on stage. But Springsteen, who will leave you exhausted by just watching him perform at a concert, gives you an insight to life's on-going struggles...and all you have to do is sit back, close your eyes and let the words filter in.

It is an amazing experience. Long live "The Boss".