In 2016, The White House celebrated International Jazz Day by welcoming some of the best jazz musicians today. Performances from Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin, Sting, Buddy Guy, Zakir Hussain, Trombone Shorty, Rebirth Brass Band, Esmerelda Spalding and dozens more highlighted this glorious celebration, which featured an hour and a half of incredible music.
The show was full of stand-out performances, including a brief performance of “Purple Rain” sung by “The Queen Of Soul” herself. She also performed Leon Russell’s “A Song For You” on the piano to open the ceremony, which also included a version of “Sister Moon” performed by Sting, Hancock, Glasper and more.
Watch the Prince medley, featuring Aretha Franklin belting out “Purple Rain”, below:
[Video: Christophe Geudin]
Watch the full broadcast below, with the opening ceremony sung by Aretha Franklin starting at the 10:08 mark:
[Video: United Nations]
Aretha Franklin, you are truly missed.