Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Dear Mr. President-Elect: Please Invite Maceo To The Inauguration

One great thing about the election of Barack Obama is that you KNOW the quality of the music at the inaugural ball is going to be better. Senator McCain might have invited--at best--Daddy Yankee (who endorsed Mac), but more likely would have subjected us to Hank Williams Jr., Lee Greenwood, and other self-proclaimed musical patriots.

Barack was endorsed by lots of "A-List" musicians, many of whom will no doubt be asked to perform. They include: Shakira, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Chuck Berry, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Wyclef Jean, Arrested Development, Jay Z, John Legend, Macy Gray, Will i.am, and others.

Lately (I'm not sure why) I've been listening to some old 1970s funk/soul, especially the solo work of Maceo Parker. Funk fans will remember Maceo as James Brown's legendary saxophonist. He's been touring much of the world continuously for quite a few years, with adoring fans in every corner of the globe. Sometimes he jams with his son, rapper Corey Parker (see the third video below).

Since Obama enjoys quoting sixties activists (it remains to be seen if what they stood for guides the Obama Administration policy agenda), it would be appropriate to have as an inaugural performer someone whose music represents and sounds like the "yes we can" spirit of those times.



3 comments:

soulboi said...

Sir,

This would be a great pleasure to everyone if Maceo does play, His message about Love and Peace no matter what is a great one. His ability to make people forget about their problems for awhile and enjoy some funk and soothing is impeccable. His message is as strong as Obama's in his music, personality, and heart. He's one legend that's still out there expressing and showing what LOVE and Peace is all about.

tony palmeri said...

So true!!! Would be nice to find a way to contact the inaugural committee and make a formal request to invite Maceo.

soulboi said...

I think we could give it a valid shot. We have to start some where. I know maybe we ask Mr. Clinton, Maceo played for him, if we can find a way to contact his people that would be great!