U2 can, 2. Video links researched by Danica Li.
Are we one on this? The “We Are One” inaugural concert on Sunday, Jan. 18, was high on star power and so-so on smooth execution – a host would have provided the essential lubricant to the peaceful, silky transition between the musical and speechifying powers that be (Samuel L. Jackson or Denzel Washington would have done a fine, dignified job, though the looser, jubilant Jamie Foxx would have meant more laughs). But I bet few remained dry-eyed during Bettye LaVette’s and (!) Jon Bon Jovi’s duet on “A Change Is Gonna Come” and the clip of Marian Anderson singing in front of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 after being turned away from Constitution Hall by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Leave it to Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder to keep their musical choices appropriate to the moment with “The Rising” and the always-great “Higher Ground.” (The former brought the Obamas to their feet, and the latter got them dancing.) Thankfully Broooce could be counted on not to play “Born in the U.S.A.” – he, at least, remembers what the song is actually about (unlike Reagan’s people who wrongfully appropriated it back in the day). On the other hand choices like John Mellencamp’s “Pink Houses” and Garth Brook’s cover of “American Pie” came off as somewhat strange. I always read “Pink Houses” as a wryly ironic tune and, in its way, as critical of the so-called American dream as “Born in the U.S.A.” We won’t even go into “American Pie.” Word to the producers and musical directors: every song with the word “America” or “U.S.A.” in its title or chorus isn’t necessarily patriotic or positively inspiring.
Remix: More highlights including Mary J. Blige and John Mellencamp.