The Whitehouse have released special permission to Coldplay to sample Obama’s rendition of Amazing Grace as an interlude in new track Head Full of Dreams.
Obama is reportedly happy to oblige, as he is a huge fan of Chris Martin. The US President originally sang the gospel classic at funeral of Charleston shooting victim Clementa C. Pinckney earlier this year.
Coldplay also gained permission from Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where the massacre took place.
“We have a tiny clip of the President singing Amazing Grace at that church,” Chris said. Chris attributes the historical relevance of the recording to the reason for its inclusion.
“It’s on the album because of the historical significance of what he did, and also the song being about, ‘I’m lost but now I’m found’.”
According to The Sun, a source said; “Barack Obama wouldn’t let just anyone feature his vocals on the record, especially considering what a deeply emotional moment it was for him.
“But he clearly loves Coldplay and is happy to be a part of their music history. The band were obviously thrilled.
“They needed to get permission from Obama himself and the Charleston church it was recorded in.”
