Every now and then, a president comes into office who has a bit of a musical side to them. Perhaps as a child, he really wanted to be a rock star. But after realizing that was an unattainable pipe dream, he took the easy route and ran for president.
Recently joining the list of soulful presidents is Barack Obama -- a man who has been racking up more musical moments than the saxophone-jammin' Clinton.
During Tuesday night's filming for the PBS special In Performance at the White House: Red, White, and Blues, Obama hopped onstage with B.B. King, Mick Jagger, Jeff Beck, and Buddy Guy for a solo verse of "Home Sweet Chicago." But that wasn't the first time he's pulled a stunt like this. In January, the president swooned the masses with his lyrical spurt from Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" during a speech at the Apollo Theater. And to top it off, the man even possesses not one but two Grammy Awards.
So, as the presidential soulman heads out on his 2012 campaign trail, we're guessing this could be the start of a new trend. And we've prepared a list of five music collaborations that we think Obama should turn into a reality.
Because nothing says America like Bruce Springsteen. Additionally, the two men are fans of each other, and with songs like "Born in the U.S.A.," "Promised Land," and "The Rising," there is no shortage of material the duo could perform. We envision either a concert in the highly nostalgic Asbury Park or on the front lawn of the White House.
4. Stevie Wonder
It's no secret that Obama is a fan of Stevie Wonder. In fact, he's described Wonder's music as "uniquely American." But the adoration doesn't stop there. The Obamas used "You and I" as their wedding song. Would anything be more romantic than Obama and Stevie Wonder getting together to perform for Michelle on their wedding anniversary? I think my eyes are tearing up just thinking about it.
3. Jay-Z and Beyoncé
When Obama hopped on the campaign trail for the presidency, the music-industry-mogul couple showed their support. And when the Obamas took the stage for their first dance at the Inauguration Ball, Beyoncé celebrated alongside with a flawless rendition of "At Last." But the relationship isn't strictly professional; they even popped by the White House for an impromptu visit. As the president ventures out for the 2012 election, the couple have once again announced their support for Obama. Here's hoping that support will include a concert with a surprise collaboration by the three.
2. Jon Bon Jovi
Like many of his fellow musicians, Jon Bon Jovi has a knack for taking a political stance and showing support through his music. Not only did he announce his support for the Obama campaign but he even threw a fundraiser at his home as well as performed at the inauguration concert. So naturally, it came as no surprise when Obama recruited Bon Jovi for a position on the White House Council for Community Solutions. With all the love and support happening between those two, it only seems appropriate for them to share some stage time. "Made in America" would probably be a perfect choice for the duet.
1. Aretha Franklin
In 2008 -- while on the campaign trail -- Obama sang a snippet of "Chain of Fools" to a Detroit crowd that included the Queen of Soul herself. Once he was elected, Aretha Franklin returned the favor by performing her rendition of "My Country 'Tis of Thee" at Obama's inauguration ceremony. (Who could forget that hat?) This is a musical collaboration that is just dying to be made a reality.
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