WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama welcomed an all-star lineup of performers to the East Room of the White House yesterday to pay tribute to the music of the civil rights era.
The grand ballroom was transformed into a concert hall packed with members of Obama's Cabinet, Congress, civil rights leaders and students for a program that will air on public television later this week for Black History Month.
Queen Latifah sang her rendition of the Marvin Gaye classic "What's Going On." And Yolanda Adams gave a spirited rendition of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come."
Obama says the civil rights movement "was a movement sustained by music."
Also performing were Smokey Robinson, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Natalie Cole, Jennifer Hudson and John Legend.
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Sound:
<<CUT …297 (02/09/10)>> 00:35 "''
This is sound of Joan Baez performing 'We Shall Overcome'
This is sound of Joan Baez performing 'We Shall Overcome' at the White House. COURTESY: PBS ((mandatory on-air credit))
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This is sound of Gospel singer Yolanda Adams performing 'How Great Thou Art'
This is sound of Gospel singer Yolanda Adams performing 'How Great Thou Art' at the White House. COURTESY: PBS ((mandatory on-air credit))
<<CUT …295 (02/09/10)>> 00:26 "''
This is sound of Smoky Robinson performing
This is sound of Smoky Robinson performing unknown Civil Rights hymn at the White House. COURTESY: PBS ((mandatory on-air credit))
<<CUT …294 (02/09/10)>> 00:34 "''
This is sound of Bob Dylan performing 'Times They Are A-Changin'
This is sound of Bob Dylan performing 'Times They Are A-Changin' at the White House. COURTESY: PBS ((mandatory on-air credit))
<<CUT …293 (02/09/10)>> 00:16 "the movement's leaders"
President Barack Obama
President Obama says the music of the Civil Rights Movement helped to inspire many. COURTESY: PBS ((mandatory on-air credit))
<<CUT …292 (02/09/10)>> 00:12 "singing freedom songs"
President Barack Obama
President Obama says music was such an important part of the Civil Rights Movement. COURTESY: PBS ((mandatory on-air credit))
<<CUT …291 (02/09/10)>> 00:13 "influenced by it"
President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama says he's pleased to welcome artists to the White House that impacted the Civil Rights Movement. COURTESY: PBS ((mandatory on-air credit))
