More names the Kennedy Center missed

When Victor Gold listed his deserving candidates for a Kennedy Center honor (“Ongoing Omissions a Kennedy Center Dishonor,” Dec. 8), he failed to mention the most eligible person of all: Mickey Rooney.

Rooney was the most popular actor in the world for many years and the top box-office draw for two consecutive years in the ‘40s. He also sings, dances and plays a mean set of drums.

Who on the committee is keeping this great star from receiving his just reward?

Thomas Pflimlin

Los Angeles

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Gold’s article was so “right on!”

A great example of the “omitted” is my friend, Frankie Laine, who is still alive and doing great at the age of 90 in San Diego. He had 21 gold records from “That’s My Desire” in 1947 through “Sunny Side of the Street,” “Jealousy,” “Jezebel,” “Mule Train,” “Rawhide,” “Lord, You Made Me a Mountain” ... on and on to my all-time favorite, and his biggest hit, “I Believe.”

Eight-hundred people showed up in San Diego this year for his 90th birthday celebration, but our music experts haven’t got a clue!

Jo-Ann Seitzinger

Northridge

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It is truly a disgrace that someone of Artie Shaw’s musical caliber has been ignored.

There are many outstanding celebrities who have received honors for contributions to the arts, but not many of them introduced styles that transformed the entire field of endeavor.

Lorraine O’Donnell

Doyle

Rancho Santa Fe

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The omission of Jerry Lewis by the Kennedy Center is glaring. His decades as an entertainer, moviemaker, mentor and philanthropist are second to none.

Michael H. Miller

Los Angeles