An Evening With Stevie Wonder (Feat. Barack Obama)

By: Ken Millstone
Topics: White House

(CBS)

Perhaps President Barack Obama is a little stressed out from addressing a joint session of Congress last night (and, you know, trying to save the economy). What better way to unwind than an easy-listening concert at the White House featuring Stevie Wonder and special guests?

Actually, the concert has been on the calendar for a couple of weeks. Wonder was there to receive the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, a lifetime achievement award for American songwriters.

The guests, performing Wonder's songs, included Paul Simon (the first recipient of the award in 2007), Tony Bennett, and will.i.am

The Obamas have a few ties to Wonder. Both of them talked about buying Wonder's albums as young people. Michelle Obama said that the couple danced to Wonder's "You and I" at their wedding (Martina McBride sang the song tonight). "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" was an oft-heard track at stops on Mr. Obama's campaign trail. And Wonder performed at the Democratic National Convention in Denver last July.

(CBS)

"I'm a huge fan," the president said. "[Wonder's] songs became the soundtrack of my youth."

He added, "Had I not been a Stevie Wonder fan, Michelle might not have dated me."

According to the White House, the concert will be broadcast tomorrow on PBS as part of its "In Performance at the White House" series in celebration of African American History Month. Check your local listings.

Below, Michelle Obama introduces Stevie Wonder

Ken Millstone
Ken Millstone is an assignment editor at CBSNews.com

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by Chazd123 February 27, 2009 12:39 PM EST: I am really disappointed that Obama is'nt who I hoped he would be. He is suppose to set an example of frugality. You know leadership by example. Partying and burning fuel seem to be his top priorities. I think it comes down to the fact he is arrogant and narcissistic. I thought those were accusations not his real self. Now his spending spree everywhere. He is not a good tough President.; Reply to this comment


by msmabuse February 26, 2009 2:34 PM EST: I am so glad to see Obama make good on his commitment to cut back on spending and showing America how to use restraint and good judgment.
He said that we would all have to suffer for the greater good of the nation and he is willing to lead the way by example.
So I say to you Mr. President, wipe your ass with the American flag and enjoy your self.
Just for being black, you deserve the very best America has to give you!; Reply to this comment


by laurieleemoo February 26, 2009 2:28 PM EST: Frankly....I have never remembered EVER seeing a President and First Lady act this way......

like all they have to do is party...

Okay...he has only been in office for a month now......

and this is like WHAT........HIS 6th PARTY?????????

Listen you MORON....stop all the PARTYING AND GET TO WORK.....and STOP WASTING OUR TAXPAYER DOLLARS IN TIME OF DEPRESSION...you arrogant lttle twit!; Reply to this comment


by laurieleemoo February 26, 2009 2:25 PM EST: I'll tell you what this is......

this is a man who seems to have clawed his way to the top......

and now intends to TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE SYSTEM....

He is coming off as a party boy who has found the perfect way to beat the system.......Yep....get the liberal media to brainwash the American people into making you president.......

and then GO FOR IT.....

He reminds me of one of those people you would take out to dinner.......and he would order the most expensive thing on the menu.

Obama......YOU SHOULD IN FACT BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF.....as if it clear what you are doing......however.....I am sure.......you feel no shame whatsoever.

Uhhhh.....HELLO....NEWSFLASH TO OBAMA...the AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING AND THE U.S> NOW IS IN ACTUAL DEPRESSION from what I heard yesterday.

YOU NEED TO STOP PARTYING LIKE THEIR IS NO TOMORROW RIGHT IN FRONT OF OUR DEPRESSED FACES.

UMMMMM.....HELLO????!!!!!!!

thats what this is.; Reply to this comment


by laurieleemoo February 26, 2009 2:18 PM EST: Umm....Excuse me.....but is there not a little TOO MUCH partying going on at the white house since Obama took office.

What does he think the white house is?????? A big party house??????

I mean what the h.e.l.l.!!!!; Reply to this comment


by nana9979 February 26, 2009 10:32 AM EST: It is a fact that we as a country have been submerged in debt from the previous adminstration and their stupid choices. Now our heroic president will have to do his best to solve the many problems. However we must continue with the Art's and entertaining in our White House. We are a symbol to the world and we will hold our head up and move foward and dig ourselves out with dignity. We will honor our musicians, artisit, athletes, poets etc becasue we are proud of the talent in this great nation. What we are not proud of is the torture, treachery, greed and dishonesty, the former administration and their friends in banking and on Wall Street have done to our great nation. Shame on all of you and may God have mercy on your souls.; Reply to this comment


by frannum February 26, 2009 10:00 AM EST: I'm not against honoring Stevie Wonder or anyone else> and I'm not complaining because he's black. I would be saying the same thing if it were Billy Ray Cyrus being honored. My concern is all the expensive events being held when Obama is telling everyone that life is hard and he understands. And then I hear Mrs Obama talk about being able to have French Fries whenever they want . Doesn't sound like life is too hard for them.; Reply to this comment


by andie52 February 26, 2009 9:45 AM EST: dongo3 we get it you don't like the President. Perhaps in 4 years you can vote Palin into office-you betcha; Reply to this comment


by batchitcrazy February 26, 2009 8:33 AM EST: Concerning Dubya waving at Stevie . go to www.snopes.com and enter "bushwave" in the search machine. This is unfortunatly an urban legend.; Reply to this comment


by noaanhc February 26, 2009 8:22 AM EST: Michelle Obama is one very hot looking First Lady

Oh WOW!!

President Obama married good; Reply to this comment