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Barack Obama sings the blues with Mick Jagger at the White House

22 FEBRUARY 2012

US President Barack Obama is fast gaining a reputation for his smooth vocal talents.

The American leader has been singing the blues with artists including Mick Jagger and BB King after a night of music at the White House.

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The East Room of the executive mansion was transformed into an intimate blues club for a concert featuring musical stars of the past and present – and the president himself.

The surprise performance by the premier came at the end of the playlist when the blues ensemble was singing Sweet Home Chicago, the anthem of Mr Obama's home town.

Chicago blues pioneer Buddy Guy prodded Barack, saying he had heard that the president sang part of an Al Green tune recently, adding: "You gotta keep it up."

Then Mick handed over the mic, and Barack seemed compelled to comply. "Come on, baby don't you want to go," the president sang out twice.

He then passed the mic to BB King momentarily, and took it back to tack on "Sweet Home Chicago" at the end.

 

BB King, 86, arrived in a wheelchair but rose to kick off the night with a raucous Let The Good Times Roll, quickly joined by other members of the ensemble. He followed with his 1970 single The Thrill Is Gone.

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger had earlier got the President and his wife up out of their seats, swaying and clapping to the music.

He sang Stevie Ray Vaughan song Commit A Crime with Jeff Beck.