The music of Ray Charles, the late legendary singer, will be celebrated at an event at the White House next week, First Lady Michelle Obama announced on Feb. 19.
The tribute, titled Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance At The White House, will include performances by Leon Bridges, Andra Day, Anthony Hamilton, Usher, The Band Perry, Demi Lovato, Brittany Howard, Sam Moore, Yolanda Adams and Jussie Smollett. Richey Minor is serving as executive music director. It is scheduled for Feb. 24.
President Barack Obama has hosted 15 other similar tributes at the White House since taking office in January 2009. Past concerts have honored Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Carole King, Burt Bacharach and Hal David, while others have highlighted the Civil Rights Movement, Broadway, Hispanic culture and Country music.
The Charles concert will be broadcast on TV One and will air on PBS on Feb. 29 at 9 p.m. It will also be available to stream at the White House website.
Charles was best known for hits like “Georgia On My Mind,” “Hit The Road Jack,” “What’d I Say” and “I Got A Woman.” He died in June 2004, notes The Associated Press.