Black History

Obama bringing Motown to the White House

9:36 AM on 02/16/2011

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President Barack Obama applauds in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, during a 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will mark Black History Month at the White House with a celebration of Motown music.

The White House says performers will include Smokey Robinson, Sheryl Crow and John Legend. The Feb. 24 event will be taped and broadcast on PBS March 1.

The Motown event is the latest in the music series "In Performance at the White House." The Obamas have hosted musical tributes to several genres, including jazz, country and Broadway. Mrs. Obama often hosts daytime programs for students to educate them about the genres and encourage involvement in the arts.