Ep 1. Memphis Soul
- April 16, 2013
In Performance at The White House is a renowned television series that showcases talented musicians from all over the world as they perform for an audience of distinguished guests, including the President of the United States. Season 2013 kicked off in style with the electrifying episode titled Memphis Soul, which featured legendary artists from the Memphis music scene, who are responsible for the creation and evolution of soul music.
Memphis, Tennessee, is widely known as the birthplace of the blues, and a crucial site for the development of American music. Memphis' soul music scene has been an essential part of the city's culture since the 1960s, and its influence has spread worldwide. For this performance, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama invited artists who shaped and popularized Memphis soul music to showcase their talents on a remarkable stage - the East Room of the White House.
The episode was hosted by President Obama, who highlighted the history and significance of Memphis soul music. The show kicked off impressively with a performance by Queen Latifah, who belted out "I Can't Stop Loving You" by Ray Charles. This performance set the tone for the entire show - raw, soulful, and captivating.
Next up was Justin Timberlake, who paid tribute to the late Otis Redding, one of the most important and influential soul music artists of all time. He performed "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay," which was Otis Redding's most famous and successful song. Justin Timberlake's performance was spectacular, embodying the soul and blues feel of the song, making it an instant classic.
The legendary soul music icon, Eddie Floyd, took the stage next and gave a memorable and powerful performance of his timeless hit "Knock On Wood," which he co-wrote with Steve Cropper. Floyd's performance was a reminder that Memphis soul music isn't just classic music but is also relevant and inspirational in modern times.
Stax Records, which was founded in Memphis in the 1960s, was instrumental in the creation of soul music, and its artists, musicians, and producers have been influential in shaping American music for decades. Steve Cropper, who co-wrote "Knock On Wood" with Eddie Floyd, was a regular performer at Stax Records and was invited to the White House to showcase his skills. He performed one of his most popular songs, "Green Onions," which was a significant track for Stax Records as it helped put them on the map.
In addition to these seasoned performers, modern musicians also paid tribute to Memphis soul music during this episode of In Performance at The White House. Sam Moore, who was part of the duo Sam & Dave, performed "Hold On, I'm Coming," which contributed to the growth of Memphis soul music in the industry. Then, American singer and songwriter, Joshua Ledet, took the stage to perform a rendition of "When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge, showcasing how Memphis soul music can be reinvented and updated according to current trends.
The episode ended with an unforgettable group performance of the classic "Soul Man" by Sam & Dave, sung by Justin Timberlake, Steve Cropper, Eddie Floyd, and Sam Moore. The energy in the room was palpable, and it was the perfect way to end a night full of soulful music that was both nostalgic and current.
In conclusion, the In Performance at The White House episode titled Memphis Soul was a soul-stirring event, featuring some of the most iconic and talented musicians from the Memphis music scene. The episode captured the essence and power of Memphis soul music and its impact on American music. Memphis Soul was an excellent season opener that set the bar high for the rest of the season.
