Musicians at the White House

About 1.2 million people visit the White House each year, occasionally among them are music icons. Many of President Clinton's encounters with musicians came when they visited the White House. However, these famous tourists also received a tour of the Oval Office, and a photo opportunity with the President.

A few of the relationships President Clinton shared with legendary musicians went further than fandom. Actor, musician, and icon, Barbra Streisand was an early supporter of then Governor Clinton's ambition for the the Presidency. President Clinton introduced Streisand to his mother, Virginia Kelly at the 1993 Inauguration and the two became fast friends.  Streisand even dedicated a chapter of her autobiography to the President's mother.

Joni Mitchell stopped by the White House on November 5, 1998 at the invitation of President Clinton. It is no secret that the Clintons' daughter, Chelsea, got her name from the Joni Mitchell song, "Chelsea Morning." In Clinton's autobiography My Life, he recalled that he was strolling down King’s Road in Chelsea with Hillary in December 1978. They were in London on a brief vacation celebrating his election as governor of Arkansas for the first time. Window-shopping, the two of them heard Judy Collins' version of “Chelsea Morning” blaring from the loudspeaker of a store. Bill remembered, “We agreed on the spot that if we ever had a daughter we’d call her Chelsea.” 

Some musicians, like Smokey Robinson visited the White House in support of Administrative initiatives. President Clinton and Motown legend Smokey Robinson addressed the 100 people who attended the fundraising event.  Clinton spoke at length about his relationship with Jesse Jackson and the many contributions his organization Rainbow/PUSH (Pledge United to Save Humanity) Coalition has made to the betterment of society.  Robinson talked briefly about the importance of keeping the arts (including music) in our school system.  “Keep Hope Alive” is the name given to an inspirational speech delivered by Jackson at the DNC (Democratic National Convention) on July 19, 1988.

Musicians were often invited to the White House to celebrate holidays and special events. Art Garfunkel was invited to perform at the White House Easter Egg Roll. 

Music legends were also honored at the White House. On October 7, 1993 the White House hosted the National Medal of Arts ceremony. Amongst the people honored, the only musicians were Ray Charles and band leader Cab Calloway. The ceremony took place on the South Lawn of the White House and featured remarks by both the President and First Lady. Clinton saved some of his best lines for Charles, declaring him to be one of “America’s favorite singers.” He made reference to the Georgia roots of the honoree and how in his hands gospel music got combined with rhythm and blues in an inventive and creative manner. Perhaps Clinton’s most memorable lines came when he said Charles’ “many hit songs are indelibly etched in the hearts of millions of Americans.”

Musicians performed at the White House for a variety of events.  Allison Krauss, Suzy Bogguss, Kathy Mattea and Chet Atkins were just a few of the musicians that performed at the WETA "Women of Country" concert hosted on the South lawn of the White House. 

On October 23, 1999, the White House hosted "The Concert of the Century." Emphasizing the powerful role music plays in the education and lives of young people all over the globe, the performance ended up on television thanks to the support of the NEA (National Endowment for the Arts) and VH-1 Save the Music Foundation. B. B. King played “The Thrill is Gone,” with Clapton, then duetted with Melissa Etheridge on “When Love Comes to Town,” and concluded by teaming with Al Green, Sheryl Crow, and Lenny Kravitz for the spiritual “Take Me to the River.”

Entertainment was often provided for Official State Visits. Some musicians were specifically requested by visiting heads of state. Czech Republic President Václav Havel specifically requested to see Lou Reed, the former leader of the American band the Velvet Underground, perform at the September 16, 1998 State Dinner. 

Musicians also performed for the President at events not hosted by the White House. Aretha Franklin performed at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel on May 1, 1999. Clinton addressed the journalists while Franklin provided the entertainment afterwards. The photo shows the President applauding “The Queen of Soul.” 

Musicians also supported the Clinton/ Gore campaigns with their talent. The band Fleetwood Mac reunited at the insistence of Clinton in order to play “Don’t Stop” at his first inaugural ball. The song remained standard fare during the presidential races of 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 whenever he showed up to give speeches and so forth in support of Democratic candidates. Most famously, at the 2000 Democratic National Convention he concluded his remarks by declaring, “Keep putting people first. Keep building those bridges. And don’t stop thinking about tomorrow!” The band Hootie and Blowfish played at a Clinton/Gore fundraiser luncheon in 1994.