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An
artist's depiction of President Washington dancing
at a party.
Library of Congress |
- First
Lady Dolley Madison is considered to have introduced
social dancing to the White House–notably the
Waltz, which critics at that time called "the
hugging process set to music."
- The United
States Marine Band played at the first reception on
New Year’s Day in 1801 and has performed regularly
at the White House ever since. From the time of Jefferson,
the band has been known as "The President’s
Own."
- Thomas
Green Bethune "Blind Tom" was the first black artist
known to have performed at the White House. He played
the piano for President James Buchanan in 1859. Accounts
from the period made it clear he was a phenomenal
prodigy, although apparently mentally retarded, who
was said to have played like Mozart, Beethoven or
Gottschalk.
- Ulysses
S. Grant once remarked about his musical knowledge:
I know only two tunes–one is Yankee Doodle and
the other isn’t."
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