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Gospel at the White House; Remarks By President Bush on Black Music Month
THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for coming. Please be seated. Thank you. Welcome to the White House. I really appreciate you coming to celebrate Black Music Month. Music has been a part of this house since its beginning. Some of our Presidents themselves were skilled musicians. Some were not. (Laughter.) As a matter of fact, after The Temptations came here a couple of months ago, I was so inspired that I thought I would take up singing. (Laughter.) Laura said, you might just stick with practicing your speaking. (Laughter.) So thanks for giving me a chance to do it today. And thanks for coming. We're going to have a pretty special day here at the White House.
I want to thank my friend, Alphonso Jackson, and Marcia, it's good to see you. Appreciate you being here.
Rod Paige, former Secretary of the Education, celebrating his 75th birthday today. (Applause.) You're looking good, Rodney.
Dr. Dorothy Height -- honored you're here, Dr. Height. Proud to be with you. (Applause.) Roslyn Brock, Vice Chairman of the NAACP -- Roslyn -- yes, good to see you, Roslyn. Thanks for coming. (Applause.) Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League -- proud to have you here, Marc, thanks for coming. (Applause.)
John Styll, President and CEO of the Gospel Music Association -- thanks, John. (Applause.) Dr. Bobby Jones, television host. Where are you, Bobby? There you are -- Bobby. (Applause.) Dyana Williams, Co-founder and President of the International Association of African American Music -- Dyana, thank you for coming. (Applause.) And everybody else. (Laughter.)
As we honor black music in America, our thoughts turn to one of its legends -- Bo Diddley. Bo was one of the pioneers of rock and roll. 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.
