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The passing of blues legend B.B. King has left musicians and fans in mourning, honoring him on social media, and praising him for his nearly six-decade-long career. President Barack Obama has also released a statement about one of his favorite artists and a touching moment they shared.

King, among other blues legends like Buddy Guy, were honored during the “In Performance at the White House: Red, White and Blues” event at the White House in February 2012. Hosted by Empire star Taraji P. Henson, the evening showcased blues’ newest acts like Trombone Shorty and Gary Clark Jr. while honoring King and other pioneers of the genre.

While the president and FLOTUS Michelle Obama enjoyed a special performance of “Sweet Home Chicago,” Obama busted out some of best vocal chops in a moment he’s clearly kept close to his heart.

Obama had this to say about the legend:

“The blues has lost its king, and America has lost a legend. B.B. King was born a sharecropper’s son in Mississippi, came of age in Memphis, Tennessee, and became the ambassador who brought his all-American music to his country and the world. No one worked harder than B.B. No one inspired more up-and-coming artists. No one did more to spread the gospel of the blues.

Three years ago, Michelle and I hosted a blues concert at the White House. I hadn’t expected that I’d be talked into singing a few lines of “Sweet Home Chicago” with B.B. by the end of the night, but that was the kind of effect his music had, and still does. He gets stuck in your head, he gets you moving, he gets you doing the things you probably shouldn’t do – but will always be glad you did. B.B. may be gone, but that thrill will be with us forever. And there’s going to be one killer blues session in heaven tonight.”

You can check out the jam session at the White House above.

SOURCE: White House | VIDEO CREDIT: YouTube 

 

Flashback Friday: This Duet Between B.B. King & President Obama Will Warm Your Heart  was originally published on newsone.com