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The White House Goes Country

Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

The White House's East Room was turned into -- in the words of President Barack Obama -- "a bona fide country music hall" Monday night (Nov. 21). Lauren Alaina, Dierks Bentley, Alison Krauss, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, Darius Rucker, James Taylor and the Band Perry were all invited to sing as part of the 'In Performance at the White House' series.

"Over the past five years, I've had the extraordinary opportunity to travel all across America," said President Obama before introducing the night's performers (quote via Politico). "I've hopped on planes to big cities. I've ridden buses through small towns. And along the way, I've gained an appreciation for just how much country music means to so many Americans.

"Country music is all about life in America," he continued. "It's about storytelling -- giving voice to the emotions of everyday life. Country music can be about love. It can be about heartache. It can sing sad times, or it can yell out that I'm just here having a good time. And it can remind us, especially when lots of our friends and neighbors are going through tough times, of what we've got to fight for and who we have to be. It reminds us that this is America. This is the place where you can make it if you try."

Dierks Bentley opened the show with a salute to our troops, singing his patriotic new tune, 'Home.' James Taylor, sporting a Stetson for the event, performed his classic 'Riding on the Railroads,' followed by a cover of Glen Campbell's 'Wichita Lineman.' Alison Krauss sang her iconic hit, 'When You Say Nothing at All,' followed by another classic: Lyle Lovett singing 'Funny How Time Slips Away.'

Kris Kristofferson and Darius Rucker paid tribute to two of their country music heroes, singing a duet of Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard's 'Pancho and Lefty.' Another Willie song followed, as Lauren Alaina sang 'You Were Always on My Mind,' accompanied by Dierks on guitar. (Watch their performance below.) The teen star also paid homage to Loretta Lynn with a cover of 'Coal Miner's Daughter,' while the Band Perry saluted another female country trailblazer, Dolly Parton, singing 'I Will Always Love You.'

The entire cast of White House country singers ended the night with an ensemble performance of the Kristofferson-penned classic, 'Me and Bobby McGee.' The concert will air on PBS on Wednesday (Nov. 23) at 8:00 PM ET.

'In Performance at the White House' began in 1978 as a way to spotlight different genres of music, ranging from R&B to Broadway tunes, and to promote music education. Several of last night's performers also participated in a music workshop with local youth earlier in the day.



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CABQ

That is absolutely ridiculous to make derogatory comments about either the President or anyone who performed at the White House. Michelle Obama has been holding concerts of ALL kinds of music since they entered the White House as a way of show-casing American talent. What on earth could be wrong with that? And why on earth would you complain about more exposure for a genre that I happen to love? You and your attitudes are a BIG part of what is wrong with this country today--such nastiness and discord.

November 22 2011 at 2:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to CABQ's comment
devinmcmusters

Condoning the socialist activities of the Obama administration is what's wrong with this country. Him and his communist friends want the government to run every facet of our life.
There are no freedoms under Obamanation.

November 23 2011 at 10:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Olive

You better make a long list then if you're going to be "disappointed" in anyone that has performed at the White House for a Democrat. These performances are bi-partisan, so members of BOTH parties were there in the audience.

And Lauren is 17, not even old enough to vote. Teen age country singers are not the problem. If you want change, then Republicans need to stop arguing, pick someone, and then for goodness sake, get out there and vote. Suggesting a teenager and a few artists not show up for country night is not going to change the presidency.

November 22 2011 at 1:07 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Olive's comment
devinmcmusters

So you don't like the democratic process of selecting a Presidential nominee? It's how our founding fathers wanted it to be!
Yes, Lauren is underage, so her parents should be put up on charges of child abuse for letting her be near the Noh-bamas.

November 22 2011 at 2:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to devinmcmusters's comment
Olive

I believe 100% in the process. That was my point. Lauren, Dierks, The Band Perry, or Kris singing old Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton tunes are not the issue. If you don't like the president, there is a process to get him out. Its called an election - rally behind Perry or Newt or whomever is your favorite and make sure in November they win. None of these artists have any power. They sing, play a little guitar, that's it.

November 22 2011 at 5:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down
devinmcmusters

I didn't know Dierks was a flaming lib-tard. Changes my opinion of him completely.

November 22 2011 at 10:40 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
Tracie

The Obama's are desperate for votes...think they can appeal to the country music fans...NOT!!!!! I AM disappointed in Lauren Alaina, and The Band Perry, though.

November 22 2011 at 10:12 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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