Music and performing arts are mainstays of our culture.
Together they are woven throughout our lives, constantly inspiring and motivating us. Many programs and awards have been instituted to celebrate and offer respect to this fact. From the Kennedy Center Honors to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, we continue to lift up the artists and acts that have provided undeniable contributions to the rich fabric that is our American culture. Continually, we work hard to chronicle the history of our people, honoring passion, dedication, creativity, and unbridled talent.
Included, is the famous series entitled “In Performance at The White House.”
Since its inception in 1978, this series has worked to embrace virtually every genre of American performance art.
Year after year, exceptional talent has been invited and showcased for the President and the First Lady. The backdrop for such an invitation? Our nation’s most famous home, The White House.
In 2011, The White House and the Obamas invited a variety of acts to come for a special night.
“As part of their “In Performance at the White House” series, the President and First Lady invited country music legends and contemporary major artists to the White House for a celebration of country music. The program includes performances by Lauren Alaina, The Band Perry, Dierks Bentley, Alison Krauss, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, Mickey, Darius Rucker, and James Taylor.“
And, as illustrated in our video today, Alison Krauss did not disappoint.
In a YouTube video of her performance, viewed over three million times with 18,000 likes, people are brimming with affection for her sweet and soulful delivery.
It’s easy to realize her extraordinary contributions to our music scene as we know it.
For The White House, she performs her seriously sweet country classic, “When You Say Nothing At All.”
If you’re unfamiliar, Alison Krauss is an American bluegrass-country singer-songwriter and musician who performs with the band Alison Krauss and Union Station (AKUS).
She started singing at a very early age, recording for the first time at age 14 and winning many contests before that. She has gone on to win 27 Grammy awards from 42 nominations, ranking her third for most Grammy Award wins. Additionally, she is the most awarded singer and most awarded female artist in Grammy history.
One listen, and it’s clear to see how she’s helped to shape the landscape of country music—her voice is truly a beacon of light!
Krauss enters the regal auditorium to resounding applause from an appreciative and rather political audience.
She walks on the stage, accompanied by an acoustic guitarist and mandolin player.
As she sings, the audience looks on in amazement and wonder. The Obamas are seated right there in the front row.
This intimate performance showcases the pure beauty of Krauss, and it’s easy to fall right into love with her angelic voice.
“The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There’s a truth in your eyes saying you’ll never leave me
A touch of your hand says you’ll catch me if ever I fall
Now you say it best when you say nothing at all”
The softly-sung song is perfectly punctuated with the twang of the guitar and the mandolin, altogether delivering an unforgettable show.
Check out this seriously stunning White House performance for yourself in the video linked below!
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