Music

Memphis Soul Takes Over White House [Video]

Thomas Mulgrew

by Thomas Mulgrew

Published April 10, 2013

The latest edition of PBS' long running series, "In Performance at the White House", was a tribute to the music of Memphis, Tennessee and, in particular, the soul music recorded there in the 1960's. President Obama spoke on the political and social impact that Stax Records and other artists' music had on America during a time of segregation, especially in the city of Memphis. He was poignant in his words, saying, "After all, this is the music that asked us to try a little tenderness. It's the music that put Mr. Big Stuff in his place. And it's the music that challenged us to accept new ways of thinking with four timeless words: Can you dig it?"

Many Memphis legends were in attendance namely Mavis Staples, Steve Cropper and Booker T. Jones who led the music for the evening. They were joined by a host of other artists including Queen Latifah, Ben Harper, Alabama Shakes and, for some reason, Cyndi Lauper. However, it was Memphis-born Justin Timberlake's version of the Otis Redding classic "(Sittin On) The Dock of the Bay" that brought the house down. Check the video of the performance above and be sure to catch the full concert on PBS April 16th.

Via Associated Press

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Justin Timberlake
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