    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 13 (Monday, April 5, 1999)]
    [Page 537]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on the Death of Joe Williams

    March 30, 1999

        Hillary and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of jazz and
    blues great Joe Williams. He was a national treasure. For the better
    part of this century, America was blessed with Joe Williams' smooth
    baritone voice and peerless interpretations of our favorite ballads.
    Hearing Joe Williams sing at the White House in 1993 remains one of my
    favorite memories. Hillary and I are grateful for the opportunity to
    have welcomed him back for the Kennedy Center Honors every year since.
    We send our prayers and deepest sympathies to his family and friends.