The 2002 Kennedy Center Honors Gala was an unforgettable evening that celebrated the legacies of Elizabeth Taylor, James Earl Jones, Chita Rivera, James Levine, and Paul Simon. But among the glitz and glamour, two moments truly stole the show: Steve Martin’s hilarious yet heartfelt tribute to his close friend Paul Simon, and a breathtaking duet of “The Boxer” performed by James Taylor and Alison Krauss.
Their rendition of Simon’s classic was nothing short of magical. Taylor’s warm, soulful voice blended beautifully with Krauss’s angelic tone, creating a hauntingly emotional version that left the audience in awe. Fans online couldn’t stop praising it—one wrote, “Every song Alison sings feels like it was made for her. She brings tears of joy every time.” Another added, “Krauss has one of the finest voices in the business—this version is perfection.”
The Washington Post even called the performance “haunting,” highlighting it as the emotional centerpiece of the night. Steve Martin, meanwhile, brought laughter and love to the stage with his trademark wit, perfectly balancing humor with heartfelt admiration for his longtime friend.
For those unfamiliar with Alison Krauss, she’s a country and bluegrass powerhouse whose ethereal voice has graced everything from O Brother, Where Art Thou? to her Grammy-winning collaborations with Robert Plant.
As for Paul Simon, “The Boxer” has always been a personal anthem. He once admitted the song reflected his own struggles with critics, saying, “I think the song was about me… everybody’s beating me up.” That vulnerability made the tribute all the more meaningful.
Interestingly, Simon wasn’t even supposed to be honored that night—he stepped in after Paul McCartney had to withdraw. Yet, in true Paul Simon fashion, he turned a last-minute change into a moment of magic. Between Steve Martin’s warmth and the soul-stirring duet, the night became one of the most moving tributes in Kennedy Center history—a celebration of friendship, resilience, and timeless music.