On April 9, 2013, President Obama hosted a "Memphis Soul" concert at the White House. It was part of a series called "In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of American Music," including a "Tribute to Motown," a "History of Gospel," "Red, White, and Blues," "Celebration of Broadway," an "Evening of Classical Music," awarding of the "Gershwin Prize" to Burt Bachrach and Stevie Wonder, and more. Some of these will be featured in future Saturday posts.
The Memphis clips are all great, but let's start with Obama's introduction to the concert.
For those who don't want to watch the entire six minute introduction (though you should), here is a brief summary, referring to Booker T. Jones and Steve Cropper: "“They weren’t allowed to go to school together. They weren’t always allowed to travel or eat together. But no one could stop them from playing music together.”
The music is after the jump, with Barack and Michelle in the front row.
Can anyone watch this without tearing up a bit?
These posts are an education. "You don't miss your water" and "I'll take you there" will keep me up tonight. Such haunting songs.
Posted by: Robert Clarke | March 30, 2024 at 06:26 PM