[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 24 (Monday, June 23, 2008)]
[Page 887]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a Celebration of American Jazz

June 19, 2008

    Welcome to the East Room of the White House. I welcome members of my 
Cabinet and my administration; a music lover, Senator Orrin Hatch from 
the great State of Utah; distinguished guests. We're so pleased you're 
here to celebrate a great American art form, jazz. And we hope you're 
jazz lovers, because you're going to hear some good music tonight.
    The story of jazz mirrors the story of our Nation. This proud 
musical tradition was born of the songs brought here by African slaves. 
Decades later, it absorbed the waltzes that accompanied immigrants from 
Europe. Over time, jazz helped break down barriers of prejudice between 
blacks and whites and even defined an age that brought new liberty to 
America's women.
    In a twist of history, the music that came to America in chains 
ultimately helped America spread freedom abroad. In 1956, the State 
Department sent American jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie around the world 
on a mission to trumpet American values. He was in Turkey when word came 
that a group of Cypriot students stoned the U.S. Embassy in Athens. And 
so he was sent to the Greek capital to soothe anti-American hostility 
with a jazz performance. The concert atmosphere was tense. The students 
stormed the stage. People were nervous, until the students put Dizzy 
Gillespie on their shoulders, and shouted ``Dizzy! Dizzy! Dizzy!'' 
[Laughter]
    With its spontaneity and energy and innovation, jazz expresses the 
best of America's character. And through a--its role in fostering 
freedom and equality, jazz reflects the best of America's ideals. 
Tonight this magnificent art form will be brought to life by some jazz 
masters. Grammy award winning guitarist Earl Klugh will play for us 
after dinner. And before dinner, we're honored to hear from saxophonist 
Davey Yarborough, vocalist Esther Williams from the Washington Jazz Arts 
Institute.
    Before Davey and Esther take the stage, please join me in a toast to 
American jazz, but more importantly, to the United States of America.

Note: The President spoke at 7:36 p.m. in the East Room at the White 
House. A portion of these remarks could not be verified because the tape 
was incomplete.