He earns a prominent award and does a cozy gig for the first family and invited guests. It's a feel-good all around.
Can't imagine anyone finding fault with this ... but if you do, bring it....
Paul McCartney, pals serenade Obamas at White House
"Paul McCartney: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in Performance at the White House," was taped early last month and screened tonight (Wed) on PBS. It is the fourth "In Performance" show thus far during Obama's young administration.
McCartney probably needs another award about as much as Jesse James needs another tattoo. However, in clips before the start of the concert in the East Room of the White House, he appears humbled and grateful for the recognition. After those introductory clips, mostly showing the artists meeting one another and rehearsing, the program moves into the actual concert.
One by one, some of today's top musicians applied their personal style to songs by McCartney -- and, in some cases, also by John Lennon. Performers include
Stevie Wonder
the Jonas Brothers
Jack White
Faith Hill
Elvis Costello
Emmylou Harris
Lang Lang
Dave Grohl
and the duo of Herbie Hancock and Corinne Bailey Rae.
There even is a short but hugely entertaining bit of stand-up by Jerry Seinfeld, who related McCartney's lyrics to the stages of his personal life.
With each additional number, McCartney's genius as a songwriter grows more evident. In fact, part of that genius is reflected in the fact that his music can be covered in such different styles, each showing new facets of the composition.
There were plenty of highlights: Wonder's enthusiastic rendition of "We Can Work It Out," Hancock and Rae's delicate and haunting performance of "Blackbird," Lang Lang's classical finesse applied to "Celebrations," and Costello's sweetly sentimental version of "Penny Lane."
(Don't bother looking for McCartney's dig at former White House occupant George W. Bush: "After the last eight years, it's great to have a president who knows what a library is," he said. A PBS spokesperson reportedly said the comment occurred after the planned program had concluded and after President Obama left the room.)
In any case, the biggest highlight was the return of all the artists to the stage, along with the first family, for the long chorus that concluded McCartney's delivery of "Hey Jude." Hearing so many memorable songs performed so brilliantly almost can make you forget all the monumental issues facing White House occupants the rest of the time.
I just think that rock stars and politicians don't mix. So uncool :-)
*Gosh, does it show that much?*
I've made several attempts to get in on some forum action today. Seemed like no matter what the OP was about, the most recent posts were the "usual suspects" plus one well-known recently returned usual suspect, talking their usual schoolyard shit.
I really did enjoy watching the concert and think Paul McCartney has aged like a fine wine.
Perhaps I'll give this a little time and if no one posts I can change the title to "what is your favorite Beatles song."
Would that be more appropriate?
mighty mom, i loved your post. and yeah, what is wrong with the president having a rest. MC Cartney's music spoke to a generation with hope, peace and love in a time when all of that was only a dream and perhaps still is. thankyou for sharing. I think as far as an award, it is pretty prestigious.... common, it is the White House and the President...
I would have been impressed if sir paul sang for Mighty Mom's family...
Thanks for this Mighty Mom .. I didnt know about it and it is definitely something that I know I would absolutely love to see. . . I am not sure if Cags thinks that maybe watching <or listening> to something like this would be boring or maybe the fact that its with the Obamas. . who cares . . WHAT A LINE UP!
And I agree with Mishna . . I would love to see Sir Paul sing for your family especially if Elvis Costello comes . . Ill take a pass on the Jonas bros though!
You can watch the concert on the PBS.ORG website, apparently.
Not sure when local affiliates might be re-airing the concert.
I hope soon, as I only got to see the very end:(
He was fab tho
Check this out, now you can listen any lyrics of your choice. great work.
http://click2go.org/aff_c?offer_id=2074&aff_id=5885
by KFlippin 13 years ago
Paul McCartney - how sick, how sad, how unbelievable, his crappy slur to Bush and to Laura on his high night in the White House. Not to mention Obama has all this time for entertainment right now? If it were Bush or any other Republican President he, or she, would be attacked like a...
by AnnCee 13 years ago
McCartney's tears for ObamaSir Paul McCartney fought back tears as he and Stevie Wonder sang Ebony And Ivory for U.S. president, Barack Obama - because he was so proud to be performing for the country's first black leader.The Beatles star was honoured at the White House earlier this month,...
by Takako Komori 11 years ago
What did you think of Paul McCartney's performance at the opening ceremony of the London Olympics?Was the song "Hey, Jude" appropriate? Was it a good, bad, or just an okay performance?
by Stacie L 12 years ago
Paul McCartney to marry in Town Hall in LondonBy Ann Oldenburg, USA TODAYPaul McCartney plans to tie the knot for the third time in the same place where he wed wife Linda more than 40 years ago.Officials said Friday that McCartney and fiancee Nancy Shevell have posted a notice of intention to marry...
by BRENDA ARLEDGE 2 years ago
We went away for the evening to attend a tribute to Paul McCartney.Luckily we made it. I was a bit concerned with my health issues, but this was something we had already planned.I hope to see ya all in between football games tomorrow...after we get back.It was a wonderful night of the Beatles...
by Stacie L 11 years ago
Say it ain't so: Mop top Paul McCartney turns 70GREGORY KATZ | June 18, 2012 12:12 PM EST | APLONDON — Paul McCartney can still rock at 70 – what more could a former Beatle want?He celebrated his birthday in private Monday, perhaps resting up between gigantic gigs this summer, but is showing no...
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