WASHINGTON ( CNN ) -- To hear Barack Obama tell it , he owes Stevie Wonder plenty . President Obama says if it was n't for Stevie Wonder 's music , he and the first lady may not have dated . `` I think it 's fair to say that had I not been a Stevie Wonder fan , Michelle might not have dated me . We might not have married , '' Obama said Wednesday as he and the first lady hosted a concert and award ceremony for Wonder . `` The fact that we agreed on Stevie was part of the essence of our courtship . '' Wonder was presented with a Gershwin Award for lifetime achievement during the event , which is scheduled to air on PBS Thursday . Wonder 's tune , `` Signed , Sealed , Delivered I 'm Yours , '' was often played at Obama 's campaign stops . The president told guests at the White House that Wonder 's music was also the soundtrack to his youth and marriage . Michelle Obama told the crowd that Wonder 's love song , `` You and I , '' had been the couple 's wedding song . Watch Stevie Wonder and other greats jam at the White House » . Wonder accepted the award from President Obama and gave him a big hug . `` President and Mrs. Obama , I 'm so excited to know that I was a part of . ... I need n't say more , '' Wonder said , drawing laughter and applause . `` I want to first of all thank God for this moment , because only through him could all this happen . '' Gospel duo Mary Mary , hip-hop musician will.i.am and jazz crooner Tony Bennett were among the other performers at the event . Obama staff members said the event was part of an effort to open the White House to a broader community .
Stevie Wonder receives lifetime achievement award at White House . President Obama credits Wonder for playing part in courtship with first lady . The president also announces that he will nominate former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to be attorney general.