Then-governor Bill Clinton turns out an impressive version of Heatrbreak Hotel on the Arsenio Hall show in June, 1992.REED SAXON/The Associated Press
Other politicians who have showcased their musical talents include:
Bill Clinton: The former U.S. president's cool factor went up a notch overnight after he wailed on his saxophone during the 1992 campaign. Mr. Clinton's rendition of Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel on The Arsenio Hall Show , complete with sunglasses, raised his profile and helped him turn a lagging performance in the polls into an election victory.
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Mike Huckabee: The former Arkansas governor rocked out with Jay Leno's house band when he appeared on Mr. Leno's talk show last year. Mr. Huckabee never hesitated to play up his bass guitar skills, jamming with his band, Capitol Offence, while on the campaign trail. He's since played on his Fox News talk show with his own house band.
Brian Mulroney and Ronald Reagan: During a 1985 visit to Canada, the two leaders celebrated their shared heritage with a sing-along of When Irish Eyes Are Smiling at a Quebec City gala. Mr. Mulroney showed off a smooth baritone when he sang a few lines by himself, but the then-U.S. president wasn't much of a singer; he barely moved his lips. The joint performance didn't win raves among Canadians, but the incident helped publicly cement the politicians' close relationship.
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John Ashcroft: The former U.S. attorney-general was a favourite target of David Letterman and Stephen Colbert after he belted out a patriotic anthem - Let the Eagle Soar , which he penned himself - while speaking at a seminary in 2002. A video of the Missouri conservative singing Let the Eagle Soar made the rounds on YouTube and late-night TV. with Mr. Ashcroft warbling lines like: "As the land beneath her sings/Only God, no other kings." When Mr. Ashcroft appeared on Mr. Letterman's talk show, he refused to sing more than a few bars.
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Bob Rae: Like Stephen Harper, the Liberal MP is an amateur pianist and has put his talents to use. During a political fundraiser while running for the party leadership in 2006, Mr. Rae tinkled the ivories and sang a few tunes for an audience of 300 supporters. The audience included an impressive list of artists including singer Gordon Lightfoot and Broadway star Louise Pitre, but Mr. Rae wasn't intimidated, despite the fact his chops were later described by one reporter as "garden-variety."
Compiled by Jennifer MacMillan