Al Green Turned Down President Obama

Scheduling conflicts prevented the soul legend from singing “Let’s Stay Together” at the Inaugural Ball.

Posted: 01/23/2013 11:43 AM EST
Barack Obama, Al Green

Al Green’s "Let’s Stay Together" has secretly become a theme song of sorts for Barack Obama’s second term — even though Green himself hasn’t gotten to sing it for the president yet.

Obama showed off his surprisingly smooth falsetto by crooning the song at a fundraiser — also attended by Green — in Harlem last year. This year, Jennifer Hudson sang the classic soul ballad at the Inaugural Ball on Monday, prompting many to wonder why Green wasn’t singing his own hit for the president and friends.

However, in a statement to The Associated Press, Green’s representative said the soul legend had been asked to perform the song, but that scheduling conflicts prevented him from attending. Green said he'd be honored to sing for the first couple in the future.

There’s a good chance that will happen, as the president’s obviously a huge fan. "I cannot sing like you," Obama told Green after he brought down the house when he sang a snippet of “Let’s Stay Together” last year. "I just wanted to show my appreciation."

The Presidential Inaugural Committee did not immediately respond to the AP's request for comment.

BET.com is your #1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world of hip hop and R&B music.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 

(Photos from left: Win McNamee/Getty Images, Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

Videos You May Like

Comments

How You Can Help the Victims in Oklahoma

The Red Cross, Salvation Army and more ways to give. 05/21/2013

A Snapshot of the African-American Financial Experience

Paying down debt is top priority for Blacks. 05/21/2013

Export Your Summer Jobs Search

What to know about taking a summer job overseas. 05/21/2013

Out and About: Solange Hits the New Museum in NYC

Plus pics of A$AP Rocky, Amber Rose, Nicki Minaj and more. 05/22/2013

The Rundown: French Montana, Excuse My French

A track-by-track review of the Bronx rapper's debut LP. 05/20/2013

Bump Watch: Celebrity Pregnancy Denials

Bey, Brandy and other stars plagued by baby rumors. 05/21/2013