Sheryl Crow, Beyonce, Springsteen wows Obama inaugural audience
Thousands of Americans who witnessed the pre-inaugural concert of US President Barack Obama were bowled over by the stellar list of celebrities who performed during the concert especially Sheryl Crow, Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen and a lot more. The “We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial” held in Washington, D.C. last January 18 was a star-studded event. Obama, his wife Michelle and their kids as well as Vice President Biden and his wife were seated near the stage but were covered by a bullet-proof glass.
Springsteen’s “The Rising” was a rousing performance made more memorable by the gospel choir who wore red and white robes that stunningly contrasted with Springsteen’s black. While everyone was nostalgic when the famous words of John F. Kennedy were read by Martin Luther King III they all started to loosen up with Mary J. Blige’s rendition of “Lean On Me” and Jon Bon Jovi’s duet with Betty LaVette. The crowd, which became serious once again when Tom Hanks talked about Abraham Lincoln, became upbeat again when James Taylor, Faith Hill and John Legend sang together. John Mellencamp’s “Ain’t That America” was a fitting tribute to VP Biden’s speech about work being not only about money but dignity and respect.