Brian Ray

Written by Brian on Jun 11 2010 at 05:55 AM | Live Shows Paul McCartney

Wow… What can I say?? After telling you that I played for the President and his family IN the White House is there much more that could top it for me? Ever since I was a lil nipper long ago I have loved and respected and been fascinated by the White House and it’s 11 presidents who resided there since I was born.

My first real connection as a kid was with the Kennedy family. All these years later to have the dream come true to meet and play for a president and then to have the honor of doing so with Paul… wow. just wow.

Paul’s band was chosen to back up the other artists to play for the Obamas on the night of the Gershwin Prize Honors.. Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Dave Grohl, Faith Hill, Emmylou Harris, Lang Lang, Jack White, Herbie Hancock and Corinne Bailey Rae all sang and played songs from Paul’s deep catalogue. It was a blast for us to learn new Paul songs with different keys and arrangements.. That kind of change and challenge keeps us in top form, keeps us on our toes..

We finished the night with Paul doing about 5 songs. He was gracious, funny and humble and as usual sang like a bird. I won’t tell you what songs we did, it has been written about already but it will be shown on July 28th on PBS, so set your TiVo’s!

The President was gracious and cool, shaking hands with each of us. He made sure we got a photo with him before the event and he was sitting 3 feet away from us! Talk about nerves! Paul, The Prez, Michelle and their 2 lovely children.. right THERE!

Rehearsals were fun, talking with all of the performers. It’s interesting to see that these great artists and stars are nervous just like any of us would be.

Anyway, too much fun and stories to go into, suffice to say it was like a dream. Hope I never have to wake up.

Thanks Paul, President Obama, et al! And than you ALL for you continued support and I hope to see you around the campfire.

love,
Brian

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