President Barack Obama ended hosted his final musical night
on Friday evening. The musical evening has been one of his favorite traditions
at the White House. Obama and his wife Michelle began
the annual event eight years ago to celebrate music that has helped shape
America.
Concerts highlighting classic, country, blues, Broadway,
gospel, Motown and Latin have been celebrated at the White House, and on Friday
the Obama’s kicked off their final musical event, BET’s “Love and Happiness” in
a tent on the White House’s South Lawn, according to the AP.
In opening remarks, the 55-year-old reflected on past
performances at the White House during his tenure, recalling amazing
performances by legendary musicians.
"We’ve had Bob Dylan and we’ve had Jennifer Hudson, Gloria
Estefan and Los Lobos. Aretha, Patti, Smokey. I’ve had Paul
McCartney singing ‘Michelle’ to Michelle and Stevie singing ‘Happy Birthday."
"We’ve had Buddy Guy and Mick Jagger getting me to
sing ‘Sweet Home Chicago. So this has been one of our favorite
traditions, and it’s with a little bit of bittersweetness that this is our
final musical evening as president and first lady."
He spoke of the previous musical history of the White
House, recalling guests of President John F. Kennedy who did the “twist” in the
East Room, "which may not sound like a big deal to you, but that was sort of
the twerking of their time," Obama said.
0 Comments