See Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard Perform Powerful Ray Charles Covers at the White House

Alabama Shakes frontwoman Brittany Howard was one of several artists to pay tribute to Ray Charles at a Smithsonian celebration of the late singer at the White House last night (Feb. 24). Howard appeared a couple of times throughout the evening in ensemble performances of “Heaven Help Us All” and “What'd I Say.”

Howard joined Demi Lovato, Yolanda Adams and Andra Day for a powerhouse rendition of “Heaven Help Us All.” The Shakes leader reappeared for the show’s finale performance of “What'd I Say” led by Usher. You can see the entire show in the video at the top of the page. (The video kicks in at the 1:27 mark.) Watch Howard’s parts by skipping ahead to the 2:16 and 2:29 marks, respectively. Leon Bridges, Sam Moore, Empire’s Jussie Smollett and the Band Perry also performed.

This isn’t Howard’s first time performing for President Obama. In 2013, the Alabama Shakes visited the White House to play “Born Under a Bad Sign” with Steve Cropper and Booker T. Jones for PBS’ “Memphis Soul” tribute show.