Singer Al Green Turned Down Invite to Perform at Obama Inaugural

At a 2012 campaign fundraiser, President Barack Obama sang a line of Al Green’s hit “Let’s Stay Together” as the singer watched from the audience. Green, however, turned down an invite to attend and perform at the President’s second inauguration.

Green’s reps told the Associated Press that he had to turn down the President’s invitation to sing at this year’s event because of a scheduling conflict.

In 2012, while on stage at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, Obama sang a line of Green’s song but quickly deferred to the singer, who was in the audience.

“Don’t worry Rev., I can not sing like you,” the President said. “I just wanted to show my appreciation.”

In an interview after the event, Green said he was thrilled by Obama’s attention.

“I was thrilled that the President even mentioned my name and if the President can get the economy going again and get everything going that he wants to, then we’ll all be together.”

Through his reps, Green said he’d be “honored” to perform for the President at some other time.