    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [May 17, 1995]
    [Pages 701-702]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at WETA's ``Women of Country: In Performance at the
    White House''
    May 17, 1995

        The President. Thank you very much. Where I was raised we didn't
    know it was country; we thought it was the only music there was.
    [Laughter]
        Ladies and gentlemen, country music vividly demonstrates America's
    fundamental ability to adapt and to change, to innovate, while never
    forgetting the best of our past in the mountains of Appalachia, in the
    hills and fields of the South, in the plains and deserts of the cowboy
    West. We took ancient folk ballads, we mixed in blues and gospel and
    came up with a whole new kind of song. As an American and as a
    southerner, I take special pride in seeing our country music now
    spreading all across the planet. And I'm very proud that our theme this
    evening is the women of country.
        Our host has a well-earned reputation for nurturing and encouraging
    country talent, and for a little country homespun wisdom. He's worked
    with everybody from Hank Williams, Dottie West, and Elvis, to Dolly
    Parton and Paul McCartney. He's probably the best known guitarist in the
    world. Please welcome Mr. Chet Atkins.

    [At this point, the performances proceeded.]

        The President. Thank you so much. I want to thank Suzy Bogguss,
    Alison Krauss, Kathy Mattea. Thank you all, and thank all the wonderful
    musicians who played with you. Thank you, Kathy, for singing the song
    for me and the Secretary of Education that we love so much.
        Thank you, Chet Atkins, for bringing so much alive to all of us.
    Thank you for bringing my old friend Randy Goodrun back. He's playing
    with a lot higher class musicians than he did 30 years ago when we
    started. [Laughter]
        Ladies and gentlemen, in country music we truly hear America
    singing. It's the honest sound

    [[Page 702]]

    of our day-to-day triumphs and our heartbreaks, our joy, our sorrow, our
    love, and our hope. These women of country are using their power and
    their skill and their heart to make this music even richer and more
    compassionate and more wonderful.
        Thank you, and good night.

    Note: The President spoke at 7:44 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House.