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In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement

Bob Dylan, to play at the White House for the first time as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Press contacts

Kate Kelly
703-998-2072
kkelly@weta.org

“In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” is a concert in the White House East Room that WETA will produce. President and Mrs. Obama will host the event in honor of Black History Month. The evening will be taped live by WETA Washington, D.C. on February 9 and air on February 11 at 8 p.m. ET on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings). The music special, part of the WETA “In Performance at the White House” series, will include Yolanda Adams, Joan Baez, Natalie Cole, Bob Dylan, Jennifer Hudson, John Mellencamp, Smokey Robinson, the Blind Boys of Alabama, the Howard University Choir and The Freedom Singers, featuring Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, Rutha Harris, Charles Neblett and Toshi Reagon. Morgan Freeman will serve as guest speakers.

Due to inclement weather, the following artists, originally announced for the show, were not able to participate: Robert De Niro, Queen Latifah, John Legend, Seal and Joanne Woodward

Press releases

 

Jan 26, 2010
Bob Dylan, Jennifer Hudson and Smokey Robinson to Perform at the White House as Part of Civil Rights Music Showcase
Read more »

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President Barack Obama makes remarks during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Caption:

President Barack Obama makes remarks during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Credit: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

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Bob Dylan performs during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010. 

Caption:

Bob Dylan performs during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

 

Credit: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

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President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, listen during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Caption:

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, listen during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Credit: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

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Yolanda Adams sings during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

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Yolanda Adams sings during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Credit: Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton

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Natalie Cole sings during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Caption:

Natalie Cole sings during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Credit: Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton

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Joan Baez performs during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Caption:

Joan Baez performs during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Credit: Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton

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Morgan Freeman speaks during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Caption:

Morgan Freeman speaks during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Credit: Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton

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Jennifer Hudson and Smokey Robinson sing during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Caption:

Jennifer Hudson and Smokey Robinson sing during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Credit: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

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The Freedom Singers perform during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.  From left to right: Toshi Reagon and three original members of The Freedom Singers, Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, Charles Neblett and Rutha Harris.

Caption:

The Freedom Singers perform during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.  From left to right: Toshi Reagon and three original members of The Freedom Singers, Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, Charles Neblett and Rutha Harris.

Credit: Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton

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The Blind Boys of Alabama sing during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Caption:

The Blind Boys of Alabama sing during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Credit: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

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The Blind Boys of Alabama sing during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Caption:

The Blind Boys of Alabama sing during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Credit: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

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The Howard University Choir sings during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Caption:

The Howard University Choir sings during the “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2010.

Credit: Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton

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Joan Baez, “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

Joan Baez, “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Dana Tynan

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Joan Baez, “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

Joan Baez, “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Myrna Suarez

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The Blind Boys of Alabama, who will perform in the upcoming "In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement."  Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

The Blind Boys of Alabama, who will perform in the upcoming "In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement."  Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Shannon Brinkman

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The Blind Boys of Alabama, who will perform in the upcoming "In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement."  Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

The Blind Boys of Alabama, who will perform in the upcoming "In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement."  Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Adam McCullough

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Natalie Cole, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

Natalie Cole, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Matthew Rolston

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Natalie Cole, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

Natalie Cole, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Matthew Rolston

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Robert De Niro, a guest speaker for “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

Robert De Niro, a guest speaker for “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: John Filo.

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Bob Dylan, to play at the White House for the first time as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

Bob Dylan, to play at the White House for the first time as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Courtesy artist.

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Bob Dylan, to play at the White House for the first time as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

Bob Dylan, to play at the White House for the first time as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Courtesy artist.

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The Freedom Singers, part of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). In the 1960s, The Freedom Singers traveled around the country, carrying stories in song of local Civil Rights Movement campaigns to audiences across the nation. Left to right: Charles Neblett, Bernice Johnson, Cordell Reagon and Rutha Harris, in 1963. Rutha Harris, Charles Neblett and Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, joined by musician Toshi Reagon, will perform as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

The Freedom Singers, part of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). In the 1960s, The Freedom Singers traveled around the country, carrying stories in song of local Civil Rights Movement campaigns to audiences across the nation. Left to right: Charles Neblett, Bernice Johnson, Cordell Reagon and Rutha Harris, in 1963. Rutha Harris, Charles Neblett and Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, joined by musician Toshi Reagon, will perform as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Photograph by Joe Alper.

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Morgan Freeman, a presenter at the White House for “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

Morgan Freeman, a presenter at the White House for “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Nigel Parry.

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The Howard University Choir, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

The Howard University Choir, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Howard University, Copyright 2006.

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Jennifer Hudson, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

Jennifer Hudson, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Courtesy artist.

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John Legend, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.”  Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

John Legend, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.”  Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Nabil Elderkin

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John Mellencamp, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

John Mellencamp, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Elaine Mellencamp

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John Mellencamp, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

John Mellencamp, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Kurt Markus

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Queen Latifah, a presenter at the White House for “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

Queen Latifah, a presenter at the White House for “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Courtesy artist.

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Queen Latifah, a presenter at the White House for “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

Queen Latifah, a presenter at the White House for “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Courtesy artist.

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Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, to perform for “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, to perform for “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Andrew Zuckerman.

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Toshi Reagon (left), with her mother and fellow musician Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon. Both will perform with The Freedom Singers for "In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement." Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

Toshi Reagon (left), with her mother and fellow musician Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon. Both will perform with The Freedom Singers for "In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement." Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Courtesy artist.

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Seal, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

Seal, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Courtesy artist.

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Smokey Robinson, producer and performer for “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

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Smokey Robinson, producer and performer for “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Nick Spanos

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Smokey Robinson, producer and performer for "In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

Smokey Robinson, producer and performer for "In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Nick Spanos

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Yolanda Adams, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Caption:

Yolanda Adams, to play at the White House as part of “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement.” Tapes February 10, broadcasts February 11 on PBS stations nationwide.

Credit: Courtesy artist.

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