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Every night at 12:35am Jimmy Fallon introduces the Roots as the “best band in late night.” The man is prone to hyperbole, but on that point he’s right on. Whether they’re slow jamming the news or backing guests from Public Enemy to Michael McDonald, the band’s versatility makes them a perfect fit for whatever the host throws at them.
Back before they were TV (and Twitter) celebrities, the band honored Bono at the NAACP’s annual gala. The U2 singer was being presented with the 2007 NAACP Chairman’s award and for the occasion the band debuted a medley of “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “Pride (In the Name of Love).” MC Black Thought throws out some lines from their own “False Media” during “Sunday” and later tosses in Edwin Starr’s “War” for good measure. As often happens in the live setting though, guitarist “Captain” Kirk Douglas emerges the star. Ridiculous shredding plus a gorgeous voice make him the sextet’s not-so-secret weapon. Continue reading »