President Obama, born two years after Motown Records first opened its doors on West Grand Blvd., is an avowed fan of the R&B that rocked the nation (hey, aren't we all?). And while acts like the Four Tops, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder have serenaded the Commander in Chief, a tribute to our iconic record label Feb. 24 at The White House will bring Detroit's music history to center stage.
President Obama will welcome 120 Detroit students (including members of the Mosaic Youth Theatre and the Sphinx Organization) for a star-studded concert featuring John Legend, Sheryl Crow and Jamie Foxx. They'll also participate in a Q and A session with Berry Gordy, Jr. and Smokey Robinson that will be moderated by the First Lady.
Excerpt:
"I don't think the company and genre have been recognized in this way
by any administration," said Audley Smith, chief executive officer of
the Motown Historical Museum, which will transport several items from
its collection for display at a pre-concert reception.
"I think it kind of says it all, that this administration has
seen fit to honor this music that is unique to Detroit," said Smith.
The concert will air on PBS stations, including Detroit Public Television, on March 1. Find out more about this presidential salute to the Motown sound here.
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