[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 19 (Monday, May 13, 1996)]
[Pages 798-799]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at ``In Performance at the White House''

May 6, 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 extraor- 

[[Page 799]]

dinary 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 multi-cultural 
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.