Beatle-in-chief Sir Paul McCartney last night serenaded First Lady Michelle Obama with “Michelle” as a highlight of the star-studded ceremony honoring him with the Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in the White House East Room. McCartney quipped he’d been “itching” to sing the tune in the White House and hoped he would not be the first person ever “punched” by a president.
The musician also heaped praise on President Obama, saying it was an honor to receive an award from “this president.” He later emphasized the point, telling the crowd at the end of the event and once Obama had left the room, “After the last eight years, it’s great to have a president who knows what a library is.”
Obama offered his thoughts about the people on the Gulf Coast when presenting the award, saying that in the aftermath of the oil spill his thoughts are with friends in an area “so rich in musical heritage.” He said it is “heartbreaking” but said the group in the room is committed to help and see the community “made whole again.”
The First Family sat clapping to the beat and smiling in the front row for the concert, which featured performances from the Jonas Brothers, Emmylou Harris and Dave Grohl and will be broadcast on PBS on July 28.
McCartney brought the crowd on stage with all of the performing artists during a rendition of “Hey Jude,” getting the first lady to clap along with the “Na, na, na, na, na, na, na” chorus. TPM served as the pool reporter for the event.
Elvis Costello performed “Penny Lane,” which included a trumpet solo from Matthew Harding of the president’s United States Marine Band. Grohl told the crowd he’s a DC native and has played “every club, every basement, every arena and every stadium.” But, he said: “All of that has nothing on Paul: You’re definitely my hero. And Mister President, you’re definitely my other hero.” He then played “Band on the Run,” by McCartney during the Wings era.
Watch Obama’s remarks: