Obama honours 'musical hero' Stevie Wonder with Gershwin Prize

Washington, February 26 (ANI): U.S. President Barack Obama honoured his "musical hero" Stevie Wonder with the Library of Congress Gershwin Award on Wednesday night.

The 58-year-old singer received the prize during a concert organized by the President and his wife Michelle, titled 'Stevie Wonder In Performance at the White House: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize'.

According to reports, the East Room of the White House, normally a place for staid presidential news conferences and other stuffy Washington happenings, was transformed into a nightclub as Wonder stepped onto the stage and rocked the house.

He kicked things off with a flawless version of Sir Duke and later, classics like Isn't She Lovely and Superstition.

Other stars to perform at the concert included Tony Bennett, Paul Simon, Will.i.am and Martina McBride.

The First couple, and Vice President Biden and his wife Jill, took in the show from the front row.

The celebration is to be broadcast on PBS Thursday night.

Michelle recalled that she used to enjoy Wonder's music as a little girl with her grandfather.

"Years later, when I discovered what Stevie meant when he sang about love, Barack and I chose the song, 'You and I' as our wedding song," Fox News quoted her as saying.

The President also talked about the influence Wonder's music had on the couple.

"I think it's fair to say that had I not been a Stevie Wonder fan, Michelle might not have dated me. We might not have married. And the fact that we agreed on Stevie was a part of the essence of our courtship," he said in a half-joking manner.

Wonder later returned the accolades, describing the historical significance of Obama's rise to office and the potential of a more united world as a result.

"I'm looking forward to you doing that, so that in my lifetime, I can write some more songs about love, about unity. And through those songs of passion, you know, maybe I'll be a part of creating some more of those babies," he further said. (ANI)