Remarks by the President in a Toast at a Social Dinner in Honor of American Jazz

WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
East Room

7:36 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: 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. (Applause.)

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 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.

(A toast is offered.)

END 7:38 P.M. EDT

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