Obamas Spotlight American Music at White House

July 22, 2009— -- In their first six months in Washington, President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama have brought a little bit of country and a little bit of rock and roll to the White House.

Last night in the East Room, the Obamas celebrated the storytelling and history of country music, which the president called a "uniquely American art form."

The event, which included a lineup of top artists, is the second in a series of musical performances at the White House launched by the first lady as a way to encourage arts and arts education.

The Obamas hosted a similar event last month highlighting jazz, and it will showcase classical music in the fall.

Obama admitted at the start of the evening that, as a "city boy," he may not fit the mold for a country music fan.

"But I do appreciate listening to country music, because like all Americans, I appreciate the broad and indelible impact that country has had on our nation," the president said.

The White House Music Series is part of the continued effort by the Obamas to open up the White House to artists, students, and diverse voices.

Country Music Hall of Famer Charley Pride and chart-toppers Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss and Union Station performed for the Obamas and their guests, which included White House staff such as country music-loving and cowboy boots-wearing budget director Peter Orszag, and members of Congress.

On Tuesday afternoon, Paisley and Krauss participated in a music education workshop at the White House for nearly 100 middle and high school students. The students came from schools from all across the country, chosen because of their dedication to educating children in their communities through music, the first lady's office said.

Paisley, reigning Country Music Association male vocalist of the year, and Krauss, a fiddle player and singer who has won 26 Grammy Awards, the most of any female performer in any genre, performed a few songs and told the aspiring musicians in the audience to persevere in their music.