President Barack Obama presented Stevie Wonder the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. See videos and photos of the February 25, 2009 concert, Stevie Wonder In Performance at the White House: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize which was held in the East Room. The special concert was in celebration of Black History Month and is part of the’ In Performance at the White House’ series, was broadcast in the U.S. on PBS stations.
The concert showcases the numerous hits that Stevie Wonder has had throughout his legendary career. He has 25 Grammy Awards, more than any other solo artist. In 1989, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; in 2002 he was inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2002.
The award is not the first time the Library of Congress (LOC) has honored him; In 2005 the LOC put his 1976 double album Songs in the Key of Life in the National Recording Registry, which recognizes recordings that are “culturally, historically or aesthetically important and/or inform or reflect life in the United States.”
“Stevie Wonder is the epitome of what the Gershwin Prize stands for,” said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington, who selected Stevie Wonder for the honor in September 2008. “He has crossed musical and cultural boundaries and has made contributions to humanity far beyond the realm of entertainment.” [Source: LOC]
On February 23, 2009 at the presentation of the Gershwin Prize, Wonder premiered an original work at the concert, of “Sketches of a Life,” a classical composition that he first began writing more than 30 years ago, in 1976 and completed it in the 1990s. He had not premiered the work and was quoted as saying that he needed an “impetus” to do so.
Accompanied by a 21-piece chamber ensemble, Wonder alternated between piano, electric keyboard and his trusty harmonica during a largely autobiographical work in nine movements. His melodic gifts were on generous display during the nearly 20-minute piece, though the chords tended to be darker and more haunting than the ones Wonder usually writes. The music, though, was no less lyrical or soulful. [...]
He’s hardly a classical purist, of course: “Sketches” leaned at times toward pop show tunes and jazz. One movement was something like chamber funk, with Wonder vamping on the clavinet as the ensemble’s sound swelled. Another segment was basically a blues-jazz instrumental, with Wonder taking off on a lyrical harmonica run over piano chords and a swaying beat — all while jazz legend Herbie Hancock nodded his head in the audience.
Source: For Gershwin, a Wonder Beheld
Both President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama delivered remarks at the special occasion.
The first album I bought was Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book,” Michelle Obama said, welcoming the packed room, which included Vice President Biden and his wife, Jill. “Years later, when Barack and I discovered what Stevie meant about love, we chose the song You and I for our wedding.” Obama noted Wonder’s ability to reach all ages, citing his Grammy performance with the Jonas Brothers, “thrilling a new generation of young girls, including our own.”
The President, echoing the sentiments spoke of the importance of Wonder’s music in the development of the relationship with his future wife, called the music, “the essence of our courtship.”
The Gershwin Prize was established in tribute to the legendary duo of 20th century U.S. composer George Gershwin and his lyricist brother Ira Gershwin. Wonder is the second recipient; Paul Simon was the first to receive the award.
Wonder got the night going, singing his 1976 hit Sir Duke. Tony Bennett, who sang For Once in My Life, proclaimed the guest of honor “Stevie Wonderful” when Wonder joined him at the end of the song.
Other performers included: Esperanza Spaulding, Diana Krall, gospel duo Mary Mary, India.Arie, soprano Anita Johnson, Martina McBride, Paul Simon and will.i.am.
“I am so glad my children are growing up under an Obama presidency,” said previous Gershwin prize winner Simon, who called Wonder a “blessing.”
Source: Wonder’s in the (White) House for concert salute
After the jump is the Stevie Wonder White House Performance and concert video. More concert pictures below.
The full video is posted on the PBS Web site:
More pictures below. Additionally, there are several more photos at WhiteHouse.gov
Here are some video excerpts.
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Stevie Wonder Gershwin Prize White House Concert Video, Photos pics pictures
