Ep 2. A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement

In Performance at The White House is a television series showcasing various performances by artists from different genres. Season 2010, episode 2, titled "A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement," is a tribute to the music that was instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s.

The episode is set in the East Room of the White House, where President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are seated amongst the audience. They are joined by eminent civil rights activists and musicians such as Joan Baez, Yolanda Adams, Natalie Cole, and Smokey Robinson.

The show begins with welcoming remarks by President Obama, who speaks about the significance of the music from the Civil Rights era. He talks about how the songs of that era inspired and encouraged the Civil Rights movement and galvanized the African American community for their fight for justice and equality.

The first performance of the night is by Joan Baez, who sings "We Shall Overcome," an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. Her soulful voice resonates through the room as the audience joins in, clapping and singing along. Following her performance, there are performers like Morgan Freeman reciting some moving words from civil rights activists and readings from Maya Angelou's stories.

Next, Yolanda Adams steps up to the microphone and belts out "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke. The song is a timeless classic that expresses the hope and optimism of the African American community during the Civil Rights era. Her rendition is soulful and powerful and elicits a standing ovation from the audience.

The stage is then taken over by John Legend, who performs "Woke up This Morning (With My Mind Stayed on Freedom)." The song, originally a gospel hymn, was adapted by the Civil Rights activists and became a rallying cry for the movement. Legend's rendition is energetic and upbeat, and the audience is seen clapping and swaying to the rhythm.

Natalie Cole is up next, and she performs "Ain't Misbehavin'" by Fats Waller. Although not a song from the Civil Rights era, it is included to show how the music of that era influenced and shaped the songs that followed. After her performance, President Obama addresses the audience once again, acknowledging the significance of the music and how it still carries relevance in contemporary times.

The show concludes with Smokey Robinson, singing "Tracks of My Tears," a soulful ballad that he wrote and performed during the Civil Rights era. His tender voice and emotional delivery resonate with the audience, who stand up for a final ovation.

Overall, "A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement" is a moving tribute to the power of music and its ability to inspire change and galvanize communities. The performances are powerful and emotional, and the show leaves a lasting impact on the viewer, reminding us of the struggles of the past and the need for continued progress and unity in the present and future.