Justin Timberlake has led President Obama, his family, and esteemed guests in a singalong of Otis Redding’s classic R&B jam (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay in the latest episode of In Performance At The White House.
J. Tizbanger attempted to lead the largely rhythmically challenged audience in singing and clapping along, but from the footage it seems the Commander-In-Chief was the only one keeping the beat. Unfortunately Obama didn’t walk-up onstage, a la Jay-Z at the Grammys, to show off his singing chops.
Paying homage to Memphis soul music, Tizz Wizz was the headlining act among Sam Jones, Alabama Shakes, Booker T. Jones and Mavis Staples.
In Performance At The White House is an ongoing series of performances produced by WETA that began in 1978 during President Jimmy Carter’s administration. The program celebrates the performing arts and makes the performances accessible to the public. This latest instalment is the 10th program under the Obama administration.
Previous Obama-hosted White House performances have honoured the likes of Sir Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder and celebrated music of the Civil Rights Movement. The list of musicians that have performed before President Obama includes Dave Grohl, Jack White, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, B.B. King and the Jonas Brothers.
PBS will air the J.T. headlined In Performance at the White House in full on 16th April.
Watch: Justin Timberlake cover (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay
