President Barack Obama was coerced into singing a couple of lines from Robert Johnson's 'Sweet Home Chicago' by Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger at a blues music event at the White House on Tuesday (February 21, 2012). Obama was joined by musical luminaries such as Bb King and Buddy Guy to celebrate the history of blues, though he opted to have a go himself.
In his review of the event, the Washington Post's music critic Chris Richards asked, "Had the White House ever felt more like a roadhouse?", before going on to describe the moment when Obama was persuaded to belt out a few lines of the classic Robert Johnson song. Before the concert - which was the Obamas latest musical themed night (after jazz, country, classical and Latin) - Jagger had tweeted, "had first rehearsal at whitehouse today and had a lovely tour of the West Wing." In another message, he wrote that Obama listened to a few of the practice tunes and appeared "really relaxed and happy." Musician Buddy Guy was the first to ask Obama to get up and sing, recalling the moment when the President sang part of an Al Green song at a recent fundraiser in Harlem, New York. Though the President looked reluctant at first, Jagger handed over the mic, which Obama then grabbed and began singing, "Come on, baby don't you want to go".
It is understood that Obama - a big music fan - has already drawn up a list of musical stars whom he hopes will join his re-election campaign later this year. The list includes Jay Z and Alicia Keys as well as rockers VAMPIRE WEEKEND.