Sir Paul McCartney gave a special performance at the White House in front of US president Barack Obama. The president said McCartney had "helped to lay the soundtrack for an entire generation", as he presented the performer with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, awarded by the Library of Congress.
McCartney performed a number of songs at the 90-minute event, including the Beatles song Michelle, during which he sang "I love you, I love you, I love you" to Michelle Obama. Afterwards he joked that he might be "the first guy ever to be punched out by a president".
The concert also featured performers including Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Herbie Hancock, The Jonas Brothers, Faith Hill and Emmylou Harris. The evening ended with McCartney being joined on stage by the entire First Family for a rendition of Hey Jude.
By its very definition pop music is fleeting. Rarely is it composed with an eye toward standing the test of time, and that's what makes Paul's career so legendary.It's hard to believe that it's been nearly half a century since four lads from Liverpool first landed on our shores, and changed everything overnight.
The Gershwin Prize - Washington's highest music award - is named after song-writing brothers George and Ira Gershwin, whose collections are housed at the library. This is McCartney's first major lifetime achievement award from the US government.
Librarian of Congress James Billington said McCartney had made an impact beyond music - "symbolising and humanising the global soundscape" - and with his activism around the world.
The following report was filed by White House pool reporter Christina Bellantoni. The acronyms POTUS/FLOTUS represent the President of the United States and the First Lady.
Event basics: Sir Paul McCartney was awarded the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song during a star-studded ceremony in the White House East Room. President Obama and his family sat in the first row, surrounded by politicians and big names in music.News, sort of: Obama mentioned "difficult time" for the Gulf Coast, saying that his thoughts are with friends in an area "so rich in musical heritage." He said it is "herartbreaking" but said the group in the room is committed to help and see the community "made whole again." He said "Part of what gets us through tough times is music" and that there's always a kernel of ourselves "that sings even when times are hard."
Another bit: At the very close of the event after Obama had left the room, McCartney took the mic again and thanked the Library of Congress again for the award. He then said, "After the last eight years, it's great to have a president who knows what a library is."
Other than that as all color, with highlights being of course the music, McCartney's choice of song "Michelle" and some POTUS-FLOTUS hand-holding. Another highlight, during "Hey Jude" at the finale and for the "Na, na, na, na, na, na, na" chorus, McCartney got everyone, including the entire First Family on the stage. They clapped and everyone sang along as he sat himself at the piano.
I've got most of the songs and performers in the report below, but it was hard to see many of the guests since most of the viewing was done on the screen in the briefing room. Pool was led into East Room about 2/3 into the event for Obama's remarks and one song.
At 7:38 p.m., the president and first lady joined the Obama daughters to sit in the front row. Michelle Obama sat to the president's left, and they frequently whispered to one another.
McCartney entered the room after the president, grabbed a guitar and took the stage, declaring, "Welcome to the White House," and then performing "Got To Get You Into My Life." He wore a blue jacket with no tie. When he finished, he joined the president in the front row and sat to his right. They also chatted back and forth most of the evening.
WH Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel also was in the front row, toward the right near Stevie Wonder. Also spotted: Speaker Nancy Pelosi, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, Marian Robinson, Sen. Dick Durbin. Will send list of attendees as provided by the White House in second report.
FLOTUS wore a short frock that is a color called "blush" and appeared to be made of satin. The designer is Byron Lars, a male designer who bills himself as making "twisted American classics." The dress had a cowl-necked collar and her belt was adorned with large jewels. As she sat, you could see a little pink petticoat peeking out over her knee.
Maybe Paul can get Obama to do something about the oil spill in the gulf. http://www.spinner.com/2010/06/03/paul-mccartney-bp-oil-spill-disgrace-white-house/
"Sir Paul", how dare you come to my country, stand in front of a current president to receive an award from my country, and have the audacity to insult a former president, You should at least have a clue to who you were speaking of. I guess you weren't aware that Mrs. Bush was a school teacher, and her focus during the Bush years in office was literacy. You must have thought you were soooo cute with that snarky remark, but you were nothing but ignorant. Why not go home and crack on your dowdy old queen!!
His remark wasn't aimed at Laura Bush - it was about George W, who could clearly learn a thing or two about grammar and literacy.
"You teach a child to read, and he or her will be able to pass a literacy test." - George W Bush, 2001
But you've got to admit that it was unnecessary. Sadly, the press will choose to focus their attention on this, and not much else.
You are the one that is ignorant!
What Paul said was definitely in bad taste, no matter which president he was talking about. Great music, but I really don't care about what he thinks.
I understand the White House concert was filmed and will be broadcast in July. I'd love to see Paul singing "Michele" to the First Lady.
I saw bits of Paul singing Michelle to the First Lady and you could see she was totally flattered when Paul sang "I love you I love you I love you". It was nice and I hate her (LOL)
And I'm glad he mentioned the oil spill.
Very dissapointing to see my idol sit up there a act like some far left wing Holly Wood actor. Really hate seeing Paul stoop to that level.
I don't know what level you are coming from but if speaking his mind equates Paul with your stereotype of the "far left" than as a so called Beatle fan you haven't caught on.
When John Lennon made his Jesus remark over 40 years ago he was serving notice that some celebrities were not going to be boxed in to the general public's expectations and perceptions.
The exercising of freedom of speech is not stooping to any level.
Oh my goodness, I can't believe what Paul said. Not because I find it offensive, but because by the reaction of the American Conservatives I thought what he said was much more awful and inappropriate. Not sure why I'm surprised though, the Right never could take a joke.
I am surprised that there are so many Conservative Beatles fans, though, as they are the people who like to say that The Beatles were evil incarnate.
The Beatles are universal and their music is adored by all types of people.
Only someone who failed their high school exams would say such a thing to a Yale and HBS grad who was married to a librarian.
Only a graduate would initiate an unjust war while the failed student would give a musical legacy to the world.
Yeah, I'm with most of you...I kind of thought it was a low jab. Something not expecting of the king of class, Sir Paul.
Be careful Pauly, The Dixie Chicks did the same thing and it ruined their career!
Artists who come from rock n'roll can say just about anything about politics because rock n' roll is about rebellion and attitude.
For country artists such as the Dixie Chicks, they are supposed to abide by establishment rules because they depend on a fan base that is located in the traditional heartland of America.
Anyway, there is no swirling controversy here about Paul's comments that compare to the magnitude of the Dixie Chicks or John's Jesus remarks.
I don't think it's that much of a stretch to realize that Paul's comments about George W Bush, made in the White House, while receiving an honor from the current President were ungracious.
I love Paul and have since 1964. But discretion is still the better part of valor.
"After the last eight years, it's great to have a president who knows what a library is."
This from a man who thought 8 from 14 was 9. I am referencing Paul's lack of math skills he displayed while talking about how many original Beatle songs were on Beatles for Sale.
I agree with the comment above from c64wood - Great music, but I really don't care about what he thinks.
It was a valid comment. Good On Paul.