Rep. John Lewis gets 'Happy' with Pharrell Williams

[steve2470]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/03/20/john-lewis-happy-pharrell-williams/6675369/

Even major civil rights figures have to get 'Happy' now and then.

On Wednesday, staffers for Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., the last surviving organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, had a belated birthday celebration for him in his Atlanta office when they put on Pharrell Williams' 'Happy.'

When the congressman slipped out of his usual stoic expression and began snapping his fingers and twisting his hips, the staffers decided to film it and post it to YouTube. The video has gone viral and was a trending topic on social media Thursday night. Staffer Rachelle O'Neil is heard in the background, encouraging the congressman's moves.

One staffer said Lewis can't get enough of the song, which was nominated for an Academy Award. Its 24-hour music video available online features hundreds of people dancing through the streets of Los Angeles in individual three-minute segments. It's spurred spinoff videos from students from Morgan State University and Syracuse University, young singers from the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences and, now, a member of Congress.

[steve2470]

1. love it ! nt

[progressoid]

2. "Happy" should have won the Oscar IMO.

[one_voice]

3. That's great!

[Heidi]

4. I love this! Thank you!

[Number23]

5. I'm sorry but that song is an absolute, universal good. I don't know ANYONE that doesn't like it

In fact, I've been playing it alot lately and it's been getting me through some tough times. That and I am the Black Gold of the Sun are the only reason I haven't run naked through the streets with scissors.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

14. It is literally the happiest song I've ever heard. nt

[Number23]

17. I know. My three year old sings it. My seven year old sings it. And my husband sings it

(although he grumbles that it comes on too much)

It is a rare song indeed that the entire family can truly enjoy. No wonder it's shattering so many records. I think it's the number 1 song in like a dozen countries.

[Cha]

6. John Lewis is Cute.. "Now break it down"~

"When the congressman slipped out of his usual stoic expression and began snapping his fingers and twisting his hips, the staffers decided to film it and post it to YouTube. The video has gone viral and was a trending topic on social media Thursday night. Staffer Rachelle O'Neil is heard in the background, encouraging the congressman's moves."

She sounds like sweetheart, too.

thanks steve~

[steve2470]

7. I wish President Obama and Michele would do this

Talk about going viral ! I'd love it.

[Cha]

8. I didn't know about Pharrell's song "Happy" but I'm going to post it on my FB

tomorrow with the John Lewis one.. so, thank you for that, steve!

[steve2470]

9. my pleasure Cha ! nt

[Democracyinkind]

10. Cool cool cool. nt

[Cha]

11. KIck!

[Deuce]

12. Still juking at 74...

[a kennedy]

13. and here's the original.......and it'll make ya start dancing.....love it...

[Le Taz Hot]

15. How cool!

I love Rep. Lewis. With their current state legislature approving gunz in church but denying medical marijuana patients it seems Rep. Lewis is one of the few good things coming out of Georgia these days.

[steve2470]

16. kick for those who missed this nt

[KatyaR]

18. I absolutely adore Mr. Lewis.

If he wants to dance, by gum, he can dance!