His lyrics have helped bring couples together, stoked the fire of struggling relationships, and provided the first dance at weddings.

Yet last night, as Stevie Wonder picked up an honour for his outstanding music at the White House, he discovered that he had also knitted together the relationship of the most powerful couple in the world.

Presenting the soul star with the second annual Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, Barack and Michelle Obama disclosed the crucial part that Wonder's music had played in their courtship - including adding that they had chosen You and I for their first dance.

“I think it is fair to say that, had I not been a Stevie Wonder fan, Michelle might not have dated me, we might not have married," the President said. “The fact that we agreed on Stevie was part of the essence of our courtship.”

Opening the event, which included a concert by Wonder and other invited guests, the First Lady added that Wonder’s Talking Book was the first album she bought.

“Years later, I discovered what Stevie meant when he sang about love. Barack and I chose the song You and I as our wedding song,” she said.

Acknowledging his part in their relationship, Wonder joked: “President and Mrs Obama, I’m so excited to know that I was part of, I needn’t say more.”

The singer added that he was looking forward to the president uniting the world “so that in my lifetime I can write songs about love, about unity, and real songs of passion”.

He added to laughter: “You know, maybe I’ll be a part of creating some more of those babies.”

Wonder, 58, was a high-profile backer of Mr Obama during the election campaign, performing at a number of fundraisers.

Also in his speech, he added: “What is truly exciting for me today is that we truly have lived to see a time and a space where America has a chance to again live up to the greatness that it deserves to be seen and known as, through the love and caring and the commitment of a president - as in our president, Barack Obama."

Wonder cited Martin Luther King Junior, his faith, and his mother during an acceptance speech that ended with a set of Mr Obama’s favourite songs.

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