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Updated: 8:21 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2013 | Posted: 8:19 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2013

White House celebrates the sounds of Memphis soul

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White House celebrates the sounds of Memphis soul photo
Singers Justin Timberlake, left, and Charlie Musselwhite, listen as first lady Michelle Obama introduces the panel for the workshop, “Soulsville, USA: The History of Memphis Soul,” Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. The workshop for students was before tonight's “In Performance at the White House: Memphis Soul”. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
White House celebrates the sounds of Memphis soul photo
Singer and actor Justin Timberlake tells a story during a workshop, “Soulsville, USA: The History of Memphis Soul,” Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. First lady Michelle Obama hosted the event for student before tonight's “In Performance at the White House: Memphis Soul”. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
White House celebrates the sounds of Memphis soul photo
Singers, from left, Sam Moore, Mavis Staples, and Justin Timberlake, joke together during a workshop, “Soulsville, USA: The History of Memphis Soul,” Tiesday, April 9, 2013, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. First lady Michelle Obama hosted a daytime event for students before tonight's “In Performance at the White House". (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
White House celebrates the sounds of Memphis soul photo
First lady Michelle Obama waves to students as she introduces the panel of a workshop, “Soulsville, USA: The History of Memphis Soul,” Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. Mrs. Obama hosted an event for students before tonight's “In Performance at the White House: Memphis Soul”. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
White House celebrates the sounds of Memphis soul photo
President Barack Obama speaks during the “In Performance at the White House” in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, April 9, 2013, a program for a celebration of Memphis Soul Music. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
White House celebrates the sounds of Memphis soul photo
President Barack Obama, center seated, looks over toward his daughter Sasha, as singers Sam Moore, left, and Joshua Ledet, right, perform on stage during the "In Performance at the White House" in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, April 9, 2013, a program for a celebration of Memphis Soul Music. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
White House celebrates the sounds of Memphis soul photo
President Barack Obama, center seated, and first lady Michelle Obama, right, look towards Queen Latifah, who speaks on stage during the "In Performance at the White House" in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, April 9, 2013, a program for a celebration of Memphis Soul Music. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
White House celebrates the sounds of Memphis soul photo
President Barack Obama, center seated, looks over towards his daughter Sasha, as singers Sam Moore, left, and Joshua Ledet, right, perform on stage during the “In Performance at the White House” in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, April 9, 2013, a program for a celebration of Memphis Soul Music. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON —

President Barack Obama says the brand of soul music that originated from a segregated Memphis, Tenn., in the 1960s sought to "create a little harmony with harmony."

He says the music is an important part of American history and it was being celebrated Tuesday night at the White House.

Obama spoke at a taping of the latest "In Performance at the White House" series, this one honoring Memphis soul.

Whites and blacks came together in Memphis in the 1960s to create a soulful blend of gospel and rhythmic blues despite the segregation that was in place.

Sam Moore, William Bell, Mavis Staples, Justin Timberlake, Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite are among those performing.

The program is set to be broadcast next Tuesday by PBS stations nationwide.

Copyright The Associated Press

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