Paul McCartney’s 2010 White House ‘Hey Jude’ Performance with President Obama’s Singalong
In June 2010, Paul McCartney delivered a memorable performance of the Beatles classic “Hey Jude” at the White House, an event that brought together an extraordinary audience including President Barack Obama and his family. McCartney originally wrote the song at age 26 and returned to it in his late sixties, offering a mature and heartfelt rendition in the East Room of the presidential residence.
This particular performance was part of the occasion when McCartney received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, a recognition bestowed to him as the third-ever recipient. The award celebrates outstanding contributions to popular music, and the ceremony was designed to honor McCartney’s legendary songwriting through direct musical tribute rather than mere speeches.
As McCartney led into the now-famous “na na na” part of the song’s outro, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The President of the United States rose from his seat, making his way toward the stage with enthusiasm. Barack Obama’s unexpected but warmly received movement transformed the formal event into a communal celebration.
Joined by First Lady Michelle Obama and their daughters, along with notable musicians including drummer Dave Grohl and pianist Lang Lang, the President stood alongside McCartney during the finale. This spontaneous participation underscored the unifying power of music and turned the White House concert into an inviting and joyful singalong.
The combination of McCartney’s iconic song and the Obama family’s involvement framed a powerful moment where an intimate performance blossomed into a shared experience among artists and audience. The presence of world-class musicians alongside the President highlighted the unique cultural significance of the evening.
Watch the performance
Watch Paul McCartney perform “Hey Jude” at the White House [main video].
McCartney’s ability to connect diverse musicians was made clear by the evening’s participant list, which included Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Faith Hill, Emmylou Harris, Corinne Bailey Rae, Jack White, and the Jonas Brothers, among others. Their presence highlighted the universal appeal and cross-genre influence of McCartney’s work.
The singalong finale was not just a moment of fun, but a demonstration of music’s power to transcend formal settings and unite people regardless of their backgrounds or roles. This was especially poignant in the White House setting, with the President joining the musical celebration on equal footing with renowned performers.
The photograph accompanying this article captures the Obama family’s enjoyment and engagement with the performance, offering a glimpse of their smiles and applause during McCartney’s playing. An inset shows McCartney concentrated at the microphone, tying the visual narrative to the musical one.
The live recording of this event preserves the progression from McCartney’s solo lead into a broad communal refrain, illustrating how the song invited participation and created a memorable atmosphere of shared joy and celebration.
The evening exemplified how McCartney’s timeless catalog serves as a connective thread between generations and genres. The Gershwin Prize ceremony was uniquely crafted to emphasize this aspect, using live performances to highlight songwriting’s enduring influence.
More than a tribute concert, this event became a cultural moment where music and leadership intersected, symbolizing harmony through song. Obama’s active participation added an unexpected layer of warmth and inclusiveness to the performance.
The involvement of diverse artists enriched the event, displaying the versatility of McCartney’s compositions. Pianist Lang Lang’s presence alongside rock star Dave Grohl emphasized the blend of musical traditions brought together under one roof.
The White House setting amplified the significance of the occasion, where the cultural and political realms met through a performance that resonated beyond the walls of the East Room.
President Obama’s engagement in the singalong was more than a gesture; it became part of the performance itself, inviting everyone present and the broader public watching to share in the iconic refrain.
This remarkable night remains a defining highlight of Paul McCartney’s live performances, illustrating the enduring life of “Hey Jude” and its capacity to bring people together across music and society.
Two more performances to explore
Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder – Ebony And Ivory (Live at the White House 2010)
This performance is another highlight from the same 2010 White House Gershwin Prize ceremony featuring Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. It showcases McCartney’s collaborative spirit and the blending of iconic voices in a memorable duet.
President Obama Sings "Sweet Home Chicago"
Two years later, President Obama again joined musicians onstage during a White House blues concert, singing alongside blues legends including Mick Jagger and B.B. King. This clip complements the McCartney event by highlighting Obama’s musical participation at presidential performances.
