Bill Clinton photo

Remarks During "In Performance at the White House"

May 06, 1996

Thank you very much. There is another benefit to you that we heard them all practicing, which is you won't have to endure our impulse sing-along night. We did that yesterday. [Laughter]

The two artists with us tonight are classic examples of the splendid, intricate tapestry of American music. Both have expanded their own musical horizons and ours as they have woven the richness of their own heritage into popular culture.

In 1993, these Grammy Award winners performed during the inaugural celebration for Hillary and me and for all of America. They were truly a highlight of that extraordinary week. This evening we are thrilled to have them join us for the first time here at the White House.

It has been said of Aaron Neville that when he sings, "It's like a knowing angel who has experienced both Heaven and the gritty reality of a working man's life." Aaron's style reflects the lush multicultural mix of his native city of New Orleans. He has blended rock and funk, gospel and country, and rhythm and blues to create the rich, exciting sound that is unmistakably all his own.

Our other guest reflects the finest spirit of our great country. Her willingness to experiment while maintaining the best of the past has helped her sell more than 30 million recordings. By combining the mariachi sounds of Mexico, big band swing, rock and roll, Broadway, and opera, she has won devoted followers everywhere in the music world. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce Linda Ronstadt.

NOTE: The President spoke at 8 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White House.

William J. Clinton, Remarks During "In Performance at the White House" Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/222484

Filed Under

Categories

Location

Washington, DC

Simple Search of Our Archives