President Obama joins in singing “Sweet Home Chicago” during a concert in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 21, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)Preceding President Barack Obama’s farewell speech Tuesday night, R&B artist BJ the Chicago Kid sang the national anthem. During Ronald Reagan’s administration, a few famous artists of color, such as Ella Fitzgerald and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, performed at the White House. But, according to a list released by the Reagan Library, such visits were few and far between compared to those of white artists like Frank Sinatra, Pete Fountain and The Beach Boys. As Obama finished saying goodbye, seven of Billboard’s Hot 100 top 10 tracks are by artists of color.

Source: Washington Post January 11, 2017 11:28 UTC