The White House: In Tune with History

An authorized documentary about music at the White House that turns out to be interesting, thought-provoking, and moving, The White House: In Tune with History serves up a wide range of fascinating tidbits. John Adams made the Marine Band the official White House orchestra in 1801. James K. Polk's wife introduced “Hail to the Chief” in order to give her small, inconspicuous husband stature and attention in 1846. Abraham Lincoln's son Willie loved to march with a toy gun to the Saturday afternoon martial music; when Willie died the White House fell silent for months, until Lincoln ordered the concerts resumed to restore morale. Teddy and Edith Roosevelt brought superb musicians such as Jan Paderewski and young Pablo Cassal to the White House in 1904. Six decades later, John Kennedy invited Cassal back, calling him a “symbol of human freedom” for his stand against the fascist Franco regime. Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt dared to close a 1939 concert for the British Royalty with black singer Marion Anderson. Here we see Richard Nixon in a rare charming moment, as he gave the Medal of Freedom to Duke Ellington, and Jimmy Carter singing (?) “Salt Peanuts” with Dizzy Gillespie. Interviews with historians such as Doris Kearns Goodwin, actor Geoffrey Holder, violinist Isaac Stern, and country singer Willie Nelson add spice to this entertaining look at music's effect on the White House and, by extension, the country. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (M. Pendergrast)