On Friday (April 29), President Barack Obama hosted the 2016 All-Star Global Concert at the White House celebrating renowned jazz artists and pianists from all across the country.
Emceed by Morgan Freeman, the hour and an half performance, which aired as an one-hour special on ABC, featuring names like Robert Glasper, Herbie Hancock, Sting, Esperanza Spalding, Aretha Franklin and many more. Obama gave a touching speech about jazz music before the acts hit the stage, saying, “There is something fearless and true about jazz.”
At about the 1:08:40 mark, Hancock dedicates a special segment to the late Prince. He explained that this group of musicians reflects his passion for jazz and hip-hop. “These improvisational art forms change the course of music history. And continue to impact culture around the world,” Hancock says. To pay tribute to Prince’s legacy, he invited Glasper, Rapsody, Lionel Loueke, Terrace Martin, Ben Williams and Terri Lyne Carrington to the stage to perform a medley of songs: “1999,” “When Doves Cry” featuring a verse by Rapsody and “Purple Rain." The audience got a pleasant surprise when "Purple Rain" was covered by Aretha.
Watch the whole performance above.
