Country Music at the White House: A Brief History

In celebration of Country Music Month, we’re taking a look back at some of the most memorable performances by country artists at the White House!

Introduction

Country music has a long and storied history in the United States, and it has always been popular in the President’s home. From early presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower to modern-day leaders like Barack Obama and Donald Trump, many chief executives have enjoyed country music both at the White House and on the campaign trail.

The first recorded instance of country music at the White House came in 1939, when Franklin D. Roosevelt held a “White House Barn Dance” featuring several well-known country artists of the day. Since then, there have been numerous other performances and events featuring country music at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Here is a brief look at some of those moments.

Country Music and the White House

The relationship between country music and the White House is a long and complicated one. Country music has often been seen as the music of the working class, and the White House as the symbol of the establishment. However, there have been many moments where the two have intersected, including at some of the most important moments in American history.

Early 20th century

In the early 1900s, country music was mostly of the folk variety and was heard mostly in rural areas. In 1909, lower-class whites in the Tennessee hills began to play a new type of music called hillbilly music, which was a mix of English, Scottish, and Irish ballads and dance tunes. The first commercial hillbilly recording artist was Fiddlin’ John Carson in 1923, followed by Ernest Stoneman in 1924. These artists brought country music to a new audience: urban, working-class whites who were not familiar with the folk tradition.

In the 1920s and 1930s, country music became more popular, especially in the southern United States. The publication of several important songbooks, including The Cowboy Songs by John Lomax and Alan Lomax (1933), helped to spread country music beyond its traditional audience. In the 1940s and 1950s, honky-tonk – a type of country music that is often characterized by loud, twangy instruments and vocals – became increasingly popular.

The late 1950s saw the rise of Nashville as the center of the country music industry. The so-called “Nashville Sound” – a more polished version of honky-tonk – became mainstream in the early 1960s with artists such as Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves, and Charley Pride. In 1967, Loretta Lynn’s song “Coal Miner’s Daughter” topped the charts and helped to increase country music’s popularity among non-traditional audiences.

The 1970s saw a return to more traditional styles of country music with artists such as Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton becoming superstars. At the same time, however, a new generation of singers such as Garth Brooks were beginning to experiment with different styles and sounds, resulting in the development of what is now known as contemporary or modern country music.

Mid-20th century

During the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, country music became firmly established as a part of American culture. In 1939, the Grand Ole Opry made its first broadcast from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. The show featured popular country music stars such as Roy Acuff and Hank Williams, and it quickly became a national sensation.

In the 1950s, country music continued to grow in popularity, and it began to be played on more mainstream radio stations. Artists such as Patsy Cline and Jimmie Rodgers became household names, and their records were played on top-40 radio alongside rock and roll hits.

The 1960s saw a new wave of country stars, including Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, and Johnny Cash. Country music began to be taken more seriously by critics and the general public, and its popularity continued to grow throughout the decade.

In the early 1970s, President Richard Nixon invited several country music stars to perform at the White House. Among them were Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash. These performances helped to legitimize country music in the eyes of many Americans.

Country music has remained popular in the years since then, with artists such as Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Faith Hill, and Tim McGraw achieving massive success in both commercial sales and critical acclaim. In 2010, President Barack Obama hosted a concert at the White House featuring several contemporary country stars such as Brad Paisley, Kid Rock, Zac Brown Band, and Sheryl Crow. This event demonstrated that country music has become a permanent part of American culture.

Late 20th century

In the late 20th century, country music became one of the most popular genres in the United States. As the popularity of country music grew, so did its influence on American culture. One of the most visible examples of this influence was the inclusion of country music at the White House.

Country music has been performed at the White House for over 50 years. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy invited then-grand ole opry star Minnie Pearl to perform at a reception for Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. In 1971, President Richard Nixon hosted a dinner for then-governor of Texas, Preston Smith, where Bette Midler performed “Stand By Your Man.”

In 1974, President Gerald Ford invited then-unknown artist Dolly Parton to perform at a state dinner for Japanese Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda. Parton’s performance was so well-received that she was invited back to perform at another state dinner less than a year later.

Over the next few decades, numerous other country music stars would be invited to perform at the White House, including Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, and Kenny Chesney. In 2010, Barack Obama become the first president to host a concert featuring all-female headliners, with performances by Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, and Dierks Bentley.

Today, country music continues to enjoy a place of prominence at the White House. In 2017, Trump held a reception celebrating American workers that featured a performance by Toby Keith. And in 2018, he hosted faith leaders and religious musicians from across the country for a special event called “A Celebration of America’sade Legacy sing Songs.” Country music has come to be associated with patriotism and American values, making it a natural fit for events at the nation’s most famous home.

Early 21st century

The early 21st century has seen a renewed interest in country music in the White House. In 2001, The Judds were invited to perform at a White House country music concert, and in 2003, Alison Krauss and Union Station performed for President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. More recently, in 2010, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood were invited to perform at a White House concert celebrating country music. And in 2011, Lady Antebellum performed for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Conclusion

In conclusion, country music has been a part of the White House since the Eisenhower administration, and has been enjoyed by presidents and first ladies from all political backgrounds. While the genre has evolved over the years, its ability to bring people together has remained constant. Whether it’s being used as a tool for diplomacy or simply as a way to relax and have fun, country music will continue to play an important role in the history of the White House.