McCartney, Stevie, Bruce at Obama Farewell Party
by Best Classic Bands Staff
President Obama awards the presidential Medal of Freedom to Bruce Springsteen, November 2016
With the reins of government about to change hands in the United States in just two weeks, the outgoing First Family is throwing itself one final bash at the White House, tomorrow (Jan. 6). According to reports (or at least rumors) in The Washington Post and other major news outlets, the guest list will include such A-listers as Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Stevie Wonder, Chance the Rapper and Usher from the music world, as well as actors Bradley Cooper and Samuel L. Jackson, directors J.J. Abrams and George Lucas, media figures David Letterman and Oprah Winfrey, and others.
All of this is officially being kept under wraps by the White House, but some of the invitees have made note of their plans to be at a particular party in Washington, D.C., tomorrow.
Related: President Barack Obama shares his playlist
Vice President Joe Biden, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama salute Stevie Wonder at the White House in 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
The Obamas have quite often hosted luminaries from the entertainment world at White House events, and confirmed recently in an interview with People Magazine that they planned to throw one final shindig at their current residence before giving it over to the incoming president.
According to the WaPo article, the Obamas will pay for the party themselves and will restrict media access. At past events guests have been asked to check their cell phones at the door so that photos and tweets would not constantly go out to the world.
Related: President Obama praises the Eagles and James Taylor
Last August, at President Obama’s 55th birthday celebration, guests included Magic Johnson, Will Ferrell, Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Ellen DeGeneres and Sarah Jessica Parker. In October, the president contributed a video message to a celebration of the music of the late Prince in St. Paul, Minnesota, featuring Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and Morris Day, plus others. The president has also hosted an International Jazz Day event at the White House
The president will deliver his farewell address to the nation from Chicago on Jan. 10. The inauguration of President-Elect Donald Trump is scheduled for Jan. 20.
Watch Stevie Wonder perform at the White House
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1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationWhoa! I would seriously like to attend this gala. Farewell President Obama! We will miss you.