Introduction
The 2002 Kennedy Center Honors was a night to remember, paying homage to a remarkable group of cultural icons: Elizabeth Taylor, James Earl Jones, Chita Rivera, James Levine, and Paul Simon. The evening featured heartfelt speeches, moving tribute videos, and performances that stirred deep emotions. Yet, one moment truly stood out — a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Paul Simon’s “The Boxer,” performed by James Taylor and Alison Krauss.
Introduced with wit and affection by Steve Martin, Paul Simon’s segment was one of the night’s most anticipated highlights. As tradition dictates, each honoree is celebrated through a filmed biography, a tribute speech, and musical performances. But Taylor and Krauss went beyond expectations with their deeply emotional duet.
The performance blended Taylor’s warm, time-worn vocals with Krauss’s delicate, angelic voice, creating a version of “The Boxer” that resonated deeply with the audience. YouTube user Jim Hansen shared, “I love James Taylor and Paul Simon with every fiber of my being, but Alison Krauss, wow. Every song she sings sounds like it was written just for her.” Another viewer, James Ryan, praised her musicality, saying, “Alison is one of the finest voices in the business. This is a great version.”
The Washington Post described the duet as “haunting,” noting it as one of the evening’s most effective performances, while also suggesting that some other renditions that night didn’t quite hit the mark. However, the evening was uplifted by Steve Martin’s clever and heartfelt introduction of Simon — a moment that added lightness and humor to the occasion.
For those unfamiliar with Alison Krauss, she’s a revered figure in both bluegrass and country music. Her ethereal voice has enriched the soundtracks of acclaimed films like O Brother, Where Art Thou? and Cold Mountain, and she’s collaborated with rock icon Robert Plant on two critically acclaimed albums. Raising Sand (2007) won Album of the Year at the Grammys and the Americana Music Honors & Awards, while their follow-up, Raise the Roof (2021), reaffirmed their creative magic.
As for “The Boxer,” Paul Simon has spoken openly about its meaning. In a 1984 interview with Playboy magazine, he revealed that the song symbolized his struggles with early criticism, especially from those who questioned the authenticity of his folk credentials. “I think the song was about me,” Simon admitted. “Everybody’s beating me up… [Critics realized] maybe we weren’t real folkies at all!”
It’s worth noting that Krauss and Taylor’s version was shortened slightly to suit the gala’s format — a common adaptation for Kennedy Center Honors performances. Interestingly, Paul Simon was a late addition to the 2002 honoree list, stepping in after Paul McCartney was unable to attend.
Ultimately, the evening was saved — and elevated — by two things: Steve Martin’s charm and the sheer emotional power of Taylor and Krauss’s duet. Their tribute clearly moved Simon, leaving an impression on viewers and attendees alike.
Since then, Simon has continued to evolve musically. His project Seven Psalms has received high praise, including a spot at #2 on Uncut Magazine’s “Best Albums of 2003” list.
This moment from the 2002 gala stands as a reminder that when great voices meet timeless songwriting, something truly unforgettable can happen. And thanks to artists like Taylor and Krauss, Paul Simon’s legacy continues to echo with beauty and grace.