Five of the country's greatest entertainers are set to be honored in the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

New York City native, and Broadway composer Jerry Herman is one of the honorees. His career includes award-winning work for "Hello, Dolly!" and last year he won the Tony Award's lifetime achievement honor.

Joining Herman is dancer and choreographer Bill T. Jones, seen above, who is the co-creator, director and choreographer of the Broadway musical "Fela".

Other honorees are rock star Paul McCartney, country musician Merle Haggard and television superstar Oprah Winfrey.

The awards, which will be presented on December 4 at a State Department dinner, are a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, in recognition of lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.