Obama praises Led Zeppelin and Kennedy Center Honorees

3 December 2012 Last updated at 01:45 ET Help

President Barack Obama has paid tribute to the latest recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors at a reception in the White House.

Led Zeppelin, David Letterman and Dustin Hoffman were among those recognised for their contribution to American culture through the arts. Ballerina Natalia Makarova and blues musician Buddy Guy were also honoured.

The president said all the artists had taken up their crafts not to make a living but "because they couldn't imagine living any other way."

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