Classical music is often seen as predominantly historic. But Detroit-based pianist BLKBOK proves that this form of music can still speak to today's cultural climate with his recordings, including his 2021 track "Michelle's First Day At the White House."
As its title hints, the song is the elegant soundtrack BLKBOK envisioned for Michelle Obama's historic moment in 2009, when she became the first Black First Lady in American History. Fittingly, the piece has elements of ceremony and solemn celebration. But that's just the beginning for this reimagining of Obama stepping into her place in American history for the very first time.
In this episode of Positive Vibes Only, BLKBOK brings "Michelle's First Day At the White House" to life with a stunning performance. Sitting at a Yamaha grand piano, the neo-classical pianist passionately performs the song with vigor and grace.
Ultimately, BLKBOK's track calls to mind the elegance and high-minded vision that Obama displayed throughout her eight-year tenure in the White House — perhaps most famously in a phrase she delivered in a speech in 2016, "When they go low, we go high."
"Michelle's First Day at the White House" is part of BLKBOK's 2021 album Black Book. It's one of several socially conscious songs on the project, which also includes modern-day time-keepers such as "November 7th, 2020" and "George Floyd & the Struggle For Equality."
Press play above to watch as BLKBOK braids contemporary narratives with a classically-inspired performance. Check back to GRAMMY.com every Sunday for more installments of Positive Vibes Only.
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