Iconic soul singers Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson both appeared at the White House to perform music released by the Motown record label.
As part of the Black History Month celebrations in the United States, President Obama spoke at the event (February 24), which also saw appearances from Jamie Foxx, Seal, Sheryl Crow and John Legend.
Calling Motown “the soundtrack of the civil rights era”, Obama spoke about why shows put on by the label were so important.
“At concerts in the South, Motown groups literally brought people together,” said Obama, “insisting that the ropes traditionally used to separate black and white audience members be taken down.”
Smokey Robinson was joined by Sheryl Crow for a duet of his song ‘You’ve Really Got a Hold On Me’ while Stevie Wonder played both ‘You Are the Sunshine of My Life’ and ‘Dancing in the Street’, reports Rolling Stone.