Country Music And The White House

Country music and patriotism go hand and hand! Country Music And The White House. It has to be an overwhelming feeling when you get the call on behalf of The President Of The United States Of America to play at the White House.

Country music has been a favorite of a lot of our Presidents. I don't think anyone enjoyed having Country singers at The White House more than President Ronald Reagan. He had Merle Haggard play. And as you know, Merle spent nearly three years in San Quentin Prison for attempted burglary.  But he was later pardoned by the Governor of California, who he came back to sing for, the man who pardoned him, President Reagan.

When it comes to Country Music And The White House, President Bush Sr was the only President to have to sit in the audience and watch The CMA Awards in 1991. He and George Strait became friends when President Bush told him that, "Love Without End Amen" was his all-time favorite country song. Later, Bush Sr. invited George Strait and his family to spend many weekends at Camp David!

Richard Nixon had Elvis Presley at the White House.  And as it turns out it was one of the oddest meetings ever in the oval office. See that story here!  You will enjoy this one.

Additionally, country artists have been part of  the Kennedy Center Honors. These are annual honors given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American Culture.  They have been presented annually since 1978.  Some of Country music's biggest names have been honored, Garth Brooks, Lorretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Willie Nelson.  A list that would be an honor to be on for any singer!

From just good ol' white Country Music Parties to playing the ignoration of a President or to a president being able to go to a country concert.  Country Music And The White House, A winning combo.

Here are some great moments in the White House and Presidential history.