Who Should Rock Obama’s Inaugural?
Since it's a holiday, and therefore no one is calling me back, let's get into it. Ever since Obama became President-Elect Obama, I've been thinking about who should play at the various inaugural balls around town. If it were a republican, we'd be stuck with '80s country acts and maybe Carrie Underwood. Safe, harmless warm milk. If it were McCain, you know he'd rouse Chuck Berry for some lame rendition of "Johnny B. Goode."
But Obama won. So what should he do? The obvious choice: Stevie Wonder. Wonder provided Obama with his campaign theme and would play well with the establishment crowd. (Let's face it, anyone who is reading this blog probably is not going to be invited to these shindigs). It's also a unifying choice. Even the Palintards would give Wonder his due.
But there are two more options Obama's staff should consider. Number One: Get P-Funk to do "Chocolate City." People have already used the song to soundtrack Obama footage for cheap youtube videos:
Another band worth considering: Wilco. Obama won that band's demo handily. Plus the band has played Obama benefts/fundraisers in the past. When they were on Colbert, Tweedy seemed open to the idea.
What local bands should Obama consider?
4:09 pm
george clinton needs to come in and help paint the white house black.
4:23 pm
They need to get a CGI Biggie to perform "Juicy"
6:02 pm
Jay-Z. Odds are pretty good he plays at least a D.C. club on the night of the swearing in.
6:09 pm
The Aquarium!
7:22 pm
Speaking strictly on odds, not on my own personal preferences: Aretha; Bruce; a Marsalis; Holo.Gram.I.Am; Chili Peppers; Beyonce; Willie Nelson.
9:18 pm
Aretha is a solid bet. But it does seem like someone Clinton would have picked in 1992. Bruce. That's a good bet.
Local bands: Thievery Corporation is a total possibility.
9:25 pm
Just no Maya Angelou....Does anyone think hip-hop or go-go has even a slight chance of getting onto a bill?
10:13 am
If not Stevie, what about Michael Franti? Progressive, political, and yet still produces ass-shaking music. He's hip-hop influenced, but enough soul/jazz that he wouldn't scare all the little old white ladies. Also, he's not responsible for "I Just Called to Say I Love You." [shudder]
11:51 am
In 1992 Clinton had events on the mall for the public in addition to the inaugural balls at night. I think I recall seeing Aretha, Al Green, and Los Lobos.
I wrote an article for Dave Marsh's Rock and Roll Confidential publication about the controversial Lee Atwater organized inaugural event for Bush 1 that included lots of amazing Southern soul performers--Sam Moore from Sam & Dave, William Bell and others. Etta James refused to be appear because she said she would not be "Lee Atwater's porch n****."
7:57 pm
Isn't Obama a big Wilco fan? I would be into that, if only because it would be incredibly surreal to see Nels Cline perform at a presidential inauguration.
11:58 pm
Wilco/Sonic Youth/Al Green/Superchunk. That would be awesome.
1:01 am
CGI Wilco, Tupac, David Lee Roth
12:06 pm
she said she would not be “Lee Atwater’s porch n****.”
HAHA, oh man who saw the pbs frontline special on that guy earlier this week?
12:13 pm
I am certainly excited about what an Obama presidency will bring to our beleaguered nation. He is very articulate to be sure, and seemingly has the intellect and composure to be successful in the highest office of the most powerful nation on earth. However, I am a little skeptical about his level of experience, alleged ties to unsavory organizations and religious affiliations. I voted for him, primarily because of bitterness at the incompetence of the Bush administration. I remain disenfranchised with America so far in the 21st Century, and came across a political graphic that does a fairly good job in capturing this sentiment.
http://www.cafepress.com/usa21stcentury
4:56 pm
aaaaalrighty then.
6:28 pm
You all are on point with this article and your comments!
Lovin the video! It's all about Parliament Funkadelic, baby! LOL! Perfect song! Great video!
George Clinton WILL be in DC Inauguration Night at one of them balls, if not def one of the parties! Trusst! ;)
I got the early inside scoop of gthe ever growing long list of who else will be performing in DC that night but I cant reveal it yet!
Keep checking my blog for more!
Peace!
~LT
6:47 pm
Ra Ra Rasputin. hands down!!!!!
12:28 am
If George Clinton shows up and performs, I will be amazed. Seems like Obama's gonna sellout and pick Clinton as his Secretary of State. Does that mean we'll be seeing Celine Dion at one of the balls?
12:16 pm
Chuck Brown, the godfather of go-go should definitely be there. If the Obama's want to be involved in DC and it's people, they need to know Chuck is beloved and a big part of DC's history!