Even as we gather here tonight to present this annual award for extraordinary contributions to American music and culture -- that's right, we stole you, Paul -- (laughter) -- it goes without saying that this has been a very difficult time.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Honors Paul McCartney

Many though, especially women, loved American culture - the music and consumerism, and had a view of "America as an ideal", says Wynn.

BBC: How the GI influx shaped Britain's view of Americans

Van Cliburn. (Applause.) The 2010 National Medal of Arts to Van Cliburn for his contributions as one of the greatest pianists in the history of music, and as a persuasive ambassador for American culture.

WHITEHOUSE: The 2010 National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medal Ceremony | The White House

It was a major growth moment for me as an artist because, you know, I'm committed to my mission of using hip-hop to - as a tool for social change and using hip-hop as a way to spread information, correct information about the music and the culture and about me as an American and me as a black American woman, and going to Indonesia was an intense experience.

NPR: Hip Hop Takes on Diplomatic Role with State Department

The styles behind the recent Cuban music boom date from the 1950s, when American tourists financed a culture of nightclubs and entertainment.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The show, which has seen its recent ratings skyrocket care of its spring lead-in American Idol, is now a pop culture phenomenon, complete with chart-topping music and a hotly anticipated concert tour.

FORBES