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Jazz Performers in the White House 1961 - 1992 by Administration Even though jazz was highly popular in the 1920's and 30's in the U. Street area, the earliest performance of jazz in the White House did not occur until November 19, 1962. This first performance was during a children's program in the East Room by the Paul Winter Jazz Sextet. Since the Kennedy administration, most Presidents have made an increasing contribution to establishing jazz as a White House entertainment staple. During the Johnson administration, Pearl Bailey became the first jazz performer in the White House to appear before an adult audience. Later, President Gerald Ford established jazz performances as a unique form of American entertainment for state dignitaries. Jimmy Carter's administration was responsible for creating the first large-scale jazz production on the White House's South Lawn. This event, which marked the 25th Anniversary of the Newport Jazz festival, included 800 guests and over 50 jazz musicians. This event publicly established jazz as an American art form and allowed for a wider and more intensive jazz audience nationwide. Below is a list of jazz artists who appeared at the White House. John F. Kennedy 1961-1963
Lyndon B. Johnson 1963-1969
Richard Nixon 1969-1974
Gerald Ford 1974-1977
James Carter 1977-1981 Invited to the 25th anniversary celebration of the Newport Jazz Festival , 6/18/78 *Indicates performers at the Anniversary Festival Celebration
Ronald Reagan 1981-1989
George Bush 1989-1993 [none known] William J. Clinton 1993-
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