President Barack Obama was singing the blues Tuesday night; but not the kind you’re thinking! The president joined Mick Jagger, B.B. King and Buddy Guy to sing a verse of “Sweet Home Chicago,” at the Red, White and Blues concert. The event was held in the East Room of the White House.
After the president belted out some of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” in Harlem last month, Buddy Guy told him he was not going to let him slip by without singing a little somethin’ somethin’.
“You gotta keep it up,” Guy said to the president. Jagger handed over the mic and, of course, the president delivered.
“Come on, baby don’t you want to go,” the president sang, then handed the mic to B.B. King. Obama then took it back to finish off the song.
He then flashed his signature smile, grabbed his wife’s hand and left the room.
During the course of the evening, Obama remarked how the Blues was part of life.
“This music speaks to something universal,” Obama declared. “No one goes through life without both joy and pain, triumph and sorrow. The blues gets all of that, sometimes with just one lyric or one note. “
The event’s lineup spanned multiple generations, from legends like King and Guy to young faces like Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and Gary Clark Jr., whose style blends hip hop, contemporary soul and indie rock. Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks also performed.
Actress Taraji P. Henson served as the program host and Booker T. Jones was music director and band leader.
The Red, White and Blues concert was held in recognition of Black History Month. It is part of the “In Performance at the White House” series. The blues concert will air Monday on PBS.
What do you think of the president’s performance? If you want our opinion; this man can do no wrong!
Check out a clip of his wonderful performance, courtesy of KHOU.com.
