During a fundraising appearance at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY on Thursday night, President Obama showed off his vocal talents, singing a little bit from Al Green’s 1972 hit, “Let’s Stay Together.” Adding to the fun was the fact that the Rev. Al Green was actually among the crowd of 1,400 supporters.According to ABC News, Obama broke into the song shortly after taking the stage and thanking the hosts of the event and recognizing those who performed ahead of him, including Green. CBS News adds that India/Arie also performed.
“To know that Rev. Al Green was here!” Obama said looking off stage.
"I…I'm…soooo in love with you," Obama sang as the crowd began to applause and cheer, reports USA Today. Still, Obama admitted that he doesn’t quite have the same amount of talent as Green. "Don't worry, Rev, I cannot sing like you...but I just wanted to show my appreciation,” he joked.
He also pointed to people backstage, telling the audience that “These guys didn’t think I would do it, but I told them I was going to do it!”
President Obama had a whirlwind of fundraisers Thursday, attending four, including one at director Spike Lee’s home. Obama was also in Orlando at Disney World, reports The Miami Herald. There, he tried to promote tourism, saying that over 1 million jobs could be created in the US if the country expands its sector of the worldwide travel industry.
Uploaded by slatester on Jan 20, 2012
Herman Cain, your version of "imagine" is OK, but let President Obama show you how it's done. The commander-in-chief took some time during a fundraiser at New York's famous Apollo Theater to croon a little Al Green to an audience that included...the reverend Al Green himself.
When the president mentioned the soul legend was in attendance, he sang a snippet from Green's classic "Let's Stay Together." Obama then feigned surprise that the Sandman didn't come to yank him off stage--a reference to Apollo mainstay Howard Sims who would comically usher failed acts back behind the curtain.
This may be the most musical presidential campaign in recent history. The question is, Mitt Romney, what's in YOUR repertoire? "Let's Stay Together" is a pretty good slogan, and it sounds like Obama has the reverend's permission to use it.
tweets
- “This is AMAZING - and the single most brilliant thing I've ever seen any politician do: bit.ly/yIN01E #ObamasGotSoul
- “Listen to Barack Obama sing like Al Green in Harlem! #apollolegend youtube.com/watch?v=T-hDt2...
- “President Obama sings Al Green: Let's stay together in 2012 ;-): youtu.be/T-hDt2E8MoE via @youtube
- “Democrat or Republican... this is kind of awesome: President Obama singing Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" youtu.be/T-hDt2E8MoE
