US President George W. Bush has officially launched Black Music Month at the White House.
The President told the media how he recently played host to The Temptations at the White House but that the White House has had a long history of black performers.He said the first President to have black music performed in the White House was Chester A. Arthur who in 1882 had the Jubilee Singers from Fisk University in Tennessee play.
Franklin Roosevelt welcome black music to the White House when he had the daughter of a slave, Sisseretta Jones sing.
Maybe the hippest US President was Jimmy Carter. Chuck Berry played for Carter and even changed the song 'Oh Carol' to 'Oh Amy' for the president's daughter, Amy Carter.
Bush also payed tribute to Bo Diddley in his speech. "Bo was one of the pioneers of rock and roll," he said. "And during his more than five decades as a singer, songwriter and performer, he changed the face of music. He really did. We mourn his loss, yet we know this - that his memory will live on in the songs and the joy he brought to millions - including a little fellow like me. So all of us here today send our thoughts and prayers to Bo Diddley's family".
The US government officially notes Black Music Month.
Bush has officially proclaimed June as Black Music Month.
