Stevie Wonder - We can work it out (Live at the White House 2010)

I've done a lot of things in my life, but never this," Paul McCartney said on PBS tonight. "This" was traveling to the White House, which he did last month to accept the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. A properly all-star concert was convened to befit the occasion, and while bits and pieces of the event have leaked out on KZbin since then, tonight the whole thing (or most of it) aired as part of PBS' "In Performance at the White House" series.
The show opened with some stirring words from President Obama. "It's hard to believe that it's been nearly half a century since four lads from Liverpool landed on our shores and changed everything overnight," he reflected. Then it was time for a cavalcade of stars old and young to pay homage to the voluminous back catalog that earned McCartney this honor.
High points were in abundance. Stevie Wonder's super-tight "We Can Work It Out" featured a mean harmonica solo, while Elvis Costello's faithfully jaunty "Penny Lane" boasted an even nicer piccolo trumpet solo. Emmylou Harris shone on an acoustic "For No One." Dave Grohl wore the night's biggest grin as he tore through "Band on the Run." Jack White's tender "Mother Nature's Son"/"That Would Be Something" medley captured something of McCartney's starry-eyed charm.
Intermixed with these were some...not quite as highs. I'm not sure anyone other than Sasha and Malia Obama needed to hear the Jonas Brothers' competent if cutesy "Drive My Car." (In fairness, McCartney and Wonder were visibly grooving during this performance.) Jerry Seinfeld's random stand-up routine fell flat as he riffed from Beatles lyrics to stale "marriage, am I right?" shtick. Faith Hill's "Long and Winding Road" was a bit schmaltzy for my taste.
McCartney himself was wonderful throughout, humble and jocular. Anyone who's seen him in concert recently can tell you that he's still all youthful energy at 68, even if his voice sounds a touch rough at the edges here and there. He had a grand old time with songs including "Got to Get You Into My Life," "Michelle" (for the first lady in the audience), "Ebony & Ivory" with Wonder, "Eleanor Rigby," and "Let It Be," as simply moving as ever. "I don't think there could be anything more special than for us to be performing here," McCartney remarked, right before the all-inclusive "Hey Jude" singalong. "And we're thinking of making it a regular thing. Lunchtimes, we could come around."

[@GraINsOFsandLOVE]

Thank you Steven Colbert. I can't believe I missed this

[@martinmino4635]

Lol i knew it already but i came back because what he said.

[@deirdrecassandra]

Griffin, yeah, I had to see why Colbert’s chose this tune...and it was hella cool to see McCartney sitting next to Obama in the audience!

[@snuzebuster]

Same for me. This is f'n golden! Saw Stevie once back in the late 80's. Maybe the best show i ever saw, though I've seen some other pretty darned good ones.

[@jassmith8412]

Griffin me too ❤️

[@bobbydazzler9482]

Same here. Still always think originals are best but this is very very good!!

[@SonofMrPeanut]

This is definitely one of the truly great Beatles covers.

[@markdinkel-uh2je]

Along with 'Help' by Karen Carpenter & Deep Purple.

[@geraldfranklin6049]

You should hear Tina Turner sing Help. Live in Rio.

[@LodoGrdzak]

Even at his age, no one touches Stevie on vocal range or overwhelming, natural talent.

[@philippecal6787]

Even...Paul ?

[@henriksolgard5749]

​@@philippecal6787Paul doesn't have much voice left. You can clearly hear it, when he plays Beatles tracks today. Stevie's voice is almost exactly the same, as it was 50 years ago.

[@jaelge]

@@henriksolgard5749: Yes, Wonder´s voice is exactly the same, utter shite.

[@andygjata]

Love seeing Paul in the crowd singing to his music

[@jaelge]

Yes, even the great McCartney must bow to the power of political correctness and praise everything ¨Black¨ whether its shite or not.

[@andygjata]

@@jaelge get your racism out of here and don’t you dare badmouth Stevie Wonder

[@jaelge]

@@andygjata: Why don't you get that BBC ouchoo mouf´? 🐒🦍🥒😮🤭🥴👅 🤣

[@kingshearer2]

I wish Stevie would record the entire White Album.

[@timothyshawnjohnston278]

I love black music it was what incurraged The Beatles to make beautiful music.

[@geofflondon]

There was an album "Come Together • Black America Sings Lennon & McCartney" on ACE records. On Spotify there is a PLAYLIST that links most of the songs. It's really just a great listen. open.spotify.com/playlist/2baDuCn5pLI2cGN0gy4MBj?si=KquvamOCRAiptzcvqvuJrQ

[@fel24thecat]

HONEY PIEEEE

[@meestuinier4486]

@@fel24thecat heyyyt bungalow bill

[@GoddessFactor007]

THAT would be SO DOPE!!!

[@VENUSWU]

Stevie takes us to church. This excels on so many levels, and exemplifies the difference between covering a song and interpreting a song and making it your own. Brilliant.

[@BaltiSean]

"and now: the Jonas Brothers.." Hahaha!! They must have been shaking in their boots. I don't know how you could follow that. I almost feel bad for them.

[@jellebigge]

Yes but honestly; they nailed it too

[@punishmentdue73]

I love his tonality, timing, arrangement, all of it.. Stevie is freakin awesome!

[@RafaelAlivtres]

He missed the spirit of the song.

[@taragreenetarotastro]

Stevie sounds still so great after all these years. Wonderful

[@pablobenito07]

Stevie Wonderful

[@DIESEL0759]

All I gots to say is, there's a reason he is called Stevie WONDER.

[@antonioallen1763]

YES!

[@jaelge]

Yes, Ive always ¨wondered¨ what the utter he// anyone ever saw in any of the crap he produced.

[@Imperialist440]

Now that's a Beatles cover! Stevie sounds absolutely awesome; love the keyboards.

[@HackneyShark]

Jeez, I knew the guy was talented, but... singing, keyboards AND harmonica? Mind blowing.

[@kingshearer2]

+HackneyShark Yes and he makes it look so easy.

[@bfish89ryuhayabusa]

He also plays drums.

[@itwork8522]

This is the talent of the god.

[@cedenson1ify]

Been doing almost his entire career. IDIOT!

[@ErikPortland]

He plays drums too. That signature beat on Superstition? YEP.

[@arthur_26]

Imagine being next to Paul McCartney and Barrack Obama oh man that’s the life

[@higherlunacy]

Don't forget Michael!

[@notmebutyou8350]

​@@higherlunacy🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Sabiancym]

Perfection followed by five words of sheer terror..... "and now the Jonas Brothers "

[@shane220490]

I love Stevie! He really makes this sound like it could've been his own original song!!

[@illadrobici]

As probably had been commented on before me many times- this supercedes the original. It's a Stevie Wonder song now! I love this man's endless ability to blow away anybody. I love mccartney, but it's a whole 'nuther level of affection. He should be proud of the fact that a great individual took over one of his best songs and made it better. Remember, to let it into your heart, then you can start to make it better.

[@jodemarc8493]

One legend performing a song written by another legend. Doesn't get much better than that!

[@johnvroegh2608]

Stevie thinks : i try to see it my way...and he did. Amazing cover in his own style. Everyone does a 'save' cover but stevie shows that a good song stands out in every way!

[@geofflondon]

There was an album "Come Together • Black America Sings Lennon & McCartney" on ACE records. On Spotify there is a PLAYLIST that links most of the songs. It's really just a great listen. open.spotify.com/playlist/2baDuCn5pLI2cGN0gy4MBj?si=KquvamOCRAiptzcvqvuJrQ

[@fedebjalways]

"And now, the Jonas Brothers..." EPIC FAIL!!! Amazing cover Stevie, love your voice and your funky sound!!

[@fedebjalways]

***** Hahaha exactly!!!

[@BOTiTTE]

not sure if he will read your comment though.

[@stevekoulogeorge1611]

The funniest part of this video, is that after that SMOKIN performance, the announcer say (at the very end) "and now... the Jonas Brothers". ... good luck topping that...

[@snidelywhiplash]

Could you imagine having to follow that? Ugh. I feel bad for those boys.

[@LovePeaceDontHateWar]

JB are good in their own way.

[@stud105]

So true. Even the Jonas brothers would agree. Untouchable genius Stevie.

[@tiernyt2051]

Lol!! Good one.

[@philmstud2k]

Steve Koulogeorge To be fair to the boys, they did a pretty good job with Drive My Car

[@Brokenface]

This version makes go shivers down my spine

[@hakuprosessikanava]

The World needs a new album from Stevie.

[@cehayes74]

The "8th Wonder" of the world, Stevie knows no limits when it comes 2 music !!! God's gift 2 us is his music :^) !!!

[@FUNKINETIK]

I’ve seen the 7 Wonders of the World - the first time in 1980 at Wembley Arena and the 7th time at Hyde Park, London 2016.

[@btowndawgz2]

god stevie is truly just incredible. and extremely brave

[@shockadelica8661]

This version is the best period! Because Stevie can actually sing!

[@shockadelica8661]

"Singers"? He's not know for his voice for a reason.People like him because they like the Beatles songs.Not because they can actually sing.I like this Beatles song but only because Stevie can actually sing! Put any one of the Beatles voices up against Stevie Wonder/Steve Perry.No competition.

[@michaelsk5493]

Brandon Walton no one good singer in beatles include paul ,,,, but greatest musician that ever lived....think reasonable~~~

[@adirbarak5256]

Tam L paul and john werent the best singers or players but they were the greatest musicians together...see , they werent the best players or singers but they were pretty amazing , i personally like their singing more than stevie's but i like him alot too ofc

[@bothajevandre1]

Haven't heard a song by the Beatles that someone has topped.

[@genericgeorge]

Stevie over sings this to the hilt. Subtlety is the key in this song and McCartney does it on the original.

[@partlydave2]

It's cool how Paul's band played with Stevie and played it the way he plays it. I love this cover!

[@careycouz]

How could they just stay in their seats and not get up and shake it?! Oh Stevie, you do it to me every time!

[@zaven1030]

Stevie turned a Golden song into diamond. Immense talent!

[@goplad1]

Stevie showing Paul how it gets done. Blows the Beatles version to bits!

[@lukaz3336]

Definitely not. The way the original melody and rhythm is fits much better with the song. This is still a good version though.

[@goplad1]

@@lukaz3336 We'll have to agree to disagree. I love the way Stevie puts his soulful touch on the song. I love the Beatles version but for me the Wonder version is better.

[@charriegreenwood957]

I agree!!!!! That's why Paul sat there looking like a deer caught in the headlights!!!!

[@jfrd-pw4hk]

Nah, it's just your preference. Stevie can improvise this masterpiece but he cannot create it from scratch.

[@douglasleftwich3936]

@@jfrd-pw4hk Well McCartney himself has claimed it's his favorite Beatles cover so with that endorsement I'm in good company with my preference.

[@adirbarak5256]

im almost got a heartattack when after a thing like that the announcer called : "And now - The Jonas Bros."

[@kingshearer2]

+‫אדיר ברק‬‎ Heh heh nice one.

[@ABitefLife]

Jonas brothers were giving each other reach arounds before going on stage

[@jamesrockford2626]

Stevie is sill awesome, wow

[@armstrongbrosband]

They should have given stevie the award again just for that harmonica solo.

[@karenreardon5398]

Best Beatles cover ever!! Bring it Stevie. You rock!!

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

...no matter who wrote or sang the original, the best interpretations are usually rendered by African-American musicians/singers..they really understand the meaning of soul..there's something about how soulful they sing...

[@edwardscissorhands4007]

THAT DRUMMER IS A LEGEND TOO

[@mariaconway405]

Love this!!!! Ah'm a total Beatles fan love this song love this version

[@Kedbuka]

This is really awesome. Beautiful cover of a great song by a pop master.

[@joshie4330]

I'm so glad he showed everyone that said he couldn't do it. I can't imagine a world without that voice and funky keys.

[@jaydaawg.8191]

Stevie makes an old song sound new and fresh and great with a hint of familiarity. He has a knack for it.

[@FUNKINETIK]

Amazing to think Stevie recorded the tune 50+ years ago.

[@BobsArtGallery]

A music miracle performing in front of a music genious. God bless then both !!

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

2020 The best Beatles cover ever! Soul/Funk/RNB/Gospel...only a Stevie Wonder can!

[@LovePeaceDontHateWar]

Stevie's putting some funk into the Beatles.

[@DanielBarnesBand]

I just love Paul's drummer.

[@Ze-Germanzuk]

It still amazes me that he is blind, I know he is not the only one but he has unbelievable talent on piano I cant imagine how hard it must have been for him to learn. I have been playing for 5 years and still dont think I am any good.

[@BackBeatStreet]

I teach blind children to play piano and guitar and they pick it up so easily..

[@MichaelFlynn0]

he lost his sight when he was very young...five -ish so he was sighted.

[@loungeactjam4342]

+Michael Flynn IIRC he lost his sight in the hospital incubator, so he probably doesn't have any memory of seeing.

[@Brokenface]

@@MichaelFlynn0 you've mixed up Ray Charles with Wonder

[@MichaelFlynn0]

MrBardoTube - I have indeed....thankyou.

[@finnmartin8746]

When I saw Paul in the audience I jumped a little. Didn't expect him to be there!

[@21thbeatle]

Finn Martin It was a show for him

[@saintlouis593]

Mr. Steveland Morris, Stevie Wonder is just loaded with the gift of music, arrangement, vocals, musicianship!

[@notmebutyou8350]

Damn!!! Stevie is straight JAMMING!!!! ❤❤

[@adrianfumi]

Freakin' amazing!!! The one and only Stevie Wonder baby!!!

[@JohnCellar]

I've never had such a massive smile on my face fade so quickly that it just did upon hearing the last two seconds of that video. I sat at my desk dumbfounded for ten minutes before I could type out this comment.

[@jaycee314]

I have always loved Stevie's rendition of "We Can Work It Out." Not that I loved the Beatles' song any less.(I was so crazy about the Beatles' release back in the day.) Just thought it incredible that such an extraordinary Beatles' song could be done by another artist and still be "such an extraordianry song." Love them both. I'm sure Sir Paul recognized (long ago) the great honor and respect given to him and the Beatles by someone of Stevie Wonder's stature. John would sit next to anyone.

[@OldIrishFan1966]

Wow, an absolutely awesome rendition. Mom played lots of Motown around the house when we were coming up. This version with a bit of Motown funk just works. Go Stevie!

[@earthlingforever1269]

OM f'ing G, this guy is STILL so exciting. He KILLS THIS COVER. Even Paul is grooving out of his mind.

[@Chaselock990]

*Music ends, everybody starts clapping* Announcer:And Now, the Jonas Brothers..."Everyone politely stands up and leaves*

[@kevinbtang]

Abe Laboriel Jr. is so fun to watch drum and sing!

[@martinkaradagian8141]

He's playing with Paul mcCartneys tour band right?

[@arsen5479]

Yes

[@alejandrocorona1766]

What a joy for Paul's bandmates to play a different version! And it shows how pro they are.

[@daddyrich473]

Yes

[@JAMES-wl2pd]

My high school use to play this song. Thank you Mr. Frank Harris, Mr.Donald Dustin and Mr. Reggie Andrews. Locke High School Saints.

[@ngarren13]

this is amazing...stevie is still a musical genius

[@bradleybrown8399]

You think the drummer goes around saying "Paul McCartney is the bass player in my band"?

[@derekgoins6547]

Fer sure

[@darrinbaker00]

Now he can say that he has a new keyboardist.

[@johndaidone8031]

Yes sir he does

[@lildrum78]

Incredible to witness two of the greatest songwriters of our generation in Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney. What I would do to meet them both! Love this!!

[@williepard]

Stevie Wonder is an incredible treasure. This was a special time in our history, when music and art and kindness were celebrated in our White House.

[@antonioallen1763]

This a timeless song whether sung by Stevie or the Beatles! I love it!

[@oliviercalmel2]

It seems this is a Stevie Wonder' song. What a talent !!!!

[@carolneilands9019]

Olivier Calmel Its a Beatles song, though Stephen Colbert insists this is the best Beatles cover of all time. Who am I to argue? Stevie Wonder has effortlessly made it his own.

[@vejan1617]

Damn, the drummer really got me!

[@caulinrocker1]

look how brian watches stevie ... you can tell he is astounded how stevie is playing so well dispite blindness ... its always fun to see even the best watch another in admiration ... it really is a preservation of the decent human being ... something my generation unfortunately lacks

[@jeremyd6775]

I miss having a president as cool as this moment

[@lindalyonsrealestate]

Stevie had a big hit with his cover of this back on the 60's

[@emilerose1424]

Yes--a big hit for true. Stevie Wonder won a Grammy for his "We Can Work It Out" cover in 1972.

[@annieukekwe620]

Greatest concert I ever went to was Stevie Wonder at the Fox Theatre in... you know it ATL ❤🔥💋😎

[@lisahewitt2429]

I love that Paul is singing along

[@caweir]

How in the world could you NOT like this?!!!

[@tksk197033]

Stevie's older and matured voice in this is even better and the original is pretty incredible already. His darker tone is amazing.

[@caulinrocker1]

its amazing how a blind man is doing at least 10 times better than half the artists there ... thats talent

[@user-zf5xg9jr2r]

Wait a minute, stevie wonder is blind?!

[@theorangeapple5851]

Not paul though 😉

[@KatB426]

Seeing Paul sing along with Stevie made my day!!!

[@RickPeake01]

Legend Mr Wonder.. my golden age. Xx

[@flaggerify]

Great cover.

[@EricHayes-f7g]

When is Stevie Wonder NOT gonna be able to sing?! Magnificent!

[@djjme29]

hear they way he sings it of the beat it sounds great never thought it could sound better but he did it

[@katyavasileva5342]

"and now the Jonas brothers".... da faq?

[@blackgargamel]

+Katya Vasileva haha

[@bd3825]

+Katya Vasileva I know right

[@randallrivas4982]

Who the hell! could follow that!

[@snidelywhiplash]

I mean, they did a respectable cut of "Drive My Car," but...it was damn unfair for them to have to follow Stevie.

[@KevinPetrusNL]

great to see how he gives the song his own touch without ruining it. Love the backing harmonies of the band (we can work it out soul-style) during his harmonica solo ;)

[@DanielBarnesBand]

I LOVE the syncopations.

[@FUNKINETIK]

That’s partly what makes this version way superior to the Beatles original, Stevie’s timing and phrasing.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

Lol the Jonas Brothers... Can't stop laughing...

[@jansanchez6]

i can see and i can barely play the guitar. phenomenal stevie.

[@D_isco_D_ancer]

Groovy man groovy!!!!!!

[@amberpaigejames9054]

Stevie Wonder-ful ❤

[@rocknroll19842]

damn man stevie still has it, no questions asked.

[@davidbradshaw3107]

Everything about this video...and I mean everything, is awesome.

[@gssj-o8p]

Man this performance was epic

[@MrNategriffin]

stevies a national treasure.

[@kathym.248]

A good message for 2024.

[@SergioQ-S-80]

Magnifica versión del gran clásico de los Beatles por el gran maestro Stevie Wonder.

[@msglimmertwin52]

this man is amazing, and is my all time favorite music performer, the epitome of motown..

[@mr.burnardo4030]

Es increíble la musicalidad de este tipo. Posiblemente la ceguera aporta, pero el chabón es música, no es humano. Hermoso!. ❤👍 Ningún nazi lo escucha!.

[@mark_mckellar]

That drummer kicks ass

[@gards2]

Steve's enthusiasm for this song is just, (in adam west style) fan-tastic.

[@BobsArtGallery]

The MASTER of them all...

[@dimitriskaragiannis5535]

great song i love it

[@rarethen9]

this version is amazing, holy shit.. i can't even

[@mikebarnett5217]

Love the Beatles love the original recording of this song by them but stevie wonder is from another planet what a voice the man’s got true legend 😎😎 and if you here at the end of the performance it says coming next the jonas brothers what after that they should of just gone home 🙄🙄😂😂

[@djengocorason8300]

the drummer is very awsome!

[@yanping518.]

Djengo Corason

[@PaoloMusique]

......if i were the jonas brothers i´ll never step on this stage after Stevie Wonder....

[@Upslider777]

Stevie your STILL! a LEGEND!,I feel truly honoured to be alive in your time spand,AND WHY? did those front 3 rows not turn into a FUNKY MOSHPIT??! 😹😘👍🏾🌈