"Women of soul" sound off at the White House

Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — It's a soulful day at the White House: The Obamas are showcasing "women of soul."

First lady Michelle Obama is honoring Women's History Month. She welcomed musical legends and up-and-coming singers to the White House Thursday for a daylong celebration of soul.

The first lady calls soul "the kind of music that makes you move, no matter who you are or where you come from."

Singers Melissa Etheridge, Patti LaBelle and Janelle Monae (Moh-NAY') entertained high school and college students at a morning workshop in the State Dining Room.

They're joining Aretha Franklin, Jill Scott, Ariana Grande (Grahn-DAY') and Tessanne (Tes-AN') Chin for an evening concert to be broadcast later on PBS.

LaBelle's advice to the students on song-writing is, quote, "Compose from your soul."