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Motown’s Temptations, Four Tops visit Oval Office

FILE - In this Feb. 12, 2008 file photo, President Bush, lower right, first lady Laura Bush, and others, listen as members of the Temptations R&B Motown singers perform in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Two legendary Motown groups “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” for a little VIP access at the White House. Actually, there probably was no begging involved for members of the Temptations and the Four Tops to get into the Oval Office Friday. The White House says the men dropped by to see the president briefly while on a White House holiday tour. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) FILE - In this Feb. 12, 2008 file photo, President Bush, lower right, first lady Laura Bush, and others, listen as members of the Temptations R&B Motown singers perform in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Two legendary Motown groups “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” for a little VIP access at the White House. Actually, there probably was no begging involved for members of the Temptations and the Four Tops to get into the Oval Office Friday. The White House says the men dropped by to see the president briefly while on a White House holiday tour. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

By Associated Press December 12, 2014 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – Two legendary Motown groups “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” for a little VIP access at the White House.

Actually, there probably was no begging involved for members of the Temptations and the Four Tops to get into the Oval Office Friday. The White House says the men dropped by to see the president briefly while on a White House holiday tour.

Obama joked last week that he nominated Ashton Carter as defense secretary in part because he’s such a big Motown fan, with the Four Tops’ hit “Reach Out, I’ll Be There” being one of his favorites.

The two iconic groups are kicking off a seven-concert series Dec. 29 at the Palace Theater New York.