Watch A Celebration Of Blues And Soul: The 1989 Presidential Inaugural Concert

A Celebration of Blues and Soul: The 1989 Presidential Inaugural Concert is a historic concert film that documents one of the most memorable events in American music history. The movie is a tribute to the blues and soul music that has played such an important part in American culture for decades. It features some of the most iconic musicians of the time, including Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt, Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, and Joe Cocker, among others.

The concert took place on January 19, 1989, the eve of the inauguration of George H.W. Bush as the 41st President of the United States. It was held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C., and was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the President-elect and his family.

The concert was organized by legendary music promoter Quincy Jones and his production company, Quincy Jones Entertainment, as a way to mark the inauguration of the new President with a celebration of American music. Although the event was primarily focused on blues and soul music, it also featured performances by jazz and rock musicians, highlighting the diversity of American music.

The movie captures the excitement and energy of the concert, with footage of the performances interspersed with interviews with the various artists. The film begins with a rousing performance by the Blues Brothers, featuring Dan Aykroyd and John Goodman, who kick off the show with a rendition of "Soul Man." From there, the film moves on to performances by Bonnie Raitt, Bobby McFerrin, and Patrice Rushen, among others.

One of the highlights of the film is the performance by Chuck Berry, who is joined on stage by Keith Richards and Eric Clapton for a rendition of "Hoochie Coochie Man." The chemistry between the three guitarists is palpable, and the audience can be seen grooving along to the music.

Another standout performance comes from Stevie Wonder, who performs a medley of his biggest hits, including "Superstition" and "I Just Called to Say I Love You." Wonder, who was blind from infancy, delivers a soulful and energetic performance that showcases his immense talent as a musician and showman.

Throughout the film, the musicians pay tribute to the blues and soul legends who came before them, acknowledging the importance of these musical pioneers in shaping the American sound. Ray Charles, for example, pays tribute to Louis Jordan, while Joe Cocker performs a soulful cover of Otis Redding's "With a Little Help from My Friends."

The film ends with a rousing performance by all the musicians, who come together on stage for a rendition of "Johnny B. Goode." The crowd is on its feet, clapping and dancing along to the music, while the musicians share the stage, united by their love for the blues and soul.

Ultimately, A Celebration of Blues and Soul: The 1989 Presidential Inaugural Concert is a celebration of American music and culture. It showcases the diversity and richness of the American musical tradition, while paying tribute to the influential musicians who have shaped it over the years. For music lovers and history buffs alike, it is a must-see film that captures a pivotal moment in American music history.

A Celebration Of Blues And Soul: The 1989 Presidential Inaugural Concert is a 1989 musical & performing arts movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes.