Bush honors black music, hears 'Take the A train'

WASHINGTON (Jazz mania news) - President Bush nodded along to the Duke Ellington classic "Take the 'A' Train" Friday as he marked Black Music Month by inviting a black high school choir to sing at the White House.

Joined by his wife Laura, Bush heard a string of songs, including signature Ellington hits like "Mood Indigo" and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If it Ain't Got that Swing)," sung by students from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, a Washington high school that focuses in inner city youth.

Speaking to a largely African American audience in the White House East Room, Bush paid tribute to black music from spirituals and gospel to jazz and the blues.
"The spirituals always had that power to move, and they always will. The people who first sang them and taught them to their children, knew the worst of human cruelty and earthly injustice," Bush said. "In their songs we hear the pain of separation, the bitterness of oppression, the troubles of the world," Bush said
"We also hear the courage of the soul, the strength of a faith and a trust in God, who will right every wrong and wipe away every tear," he added. "In the black American experience, there has been a lot of pain and America must recognize that. There's been progress too and there needs to be more."

Bush singled out one of his guests at the performance, the "Queen of Gospel," Albertina Walker , saying she had "lifted hearts everywhere" with songs like "Lord, Keep Me Day by Day" and "He Keeps on Blessing Me."

The president bantered with the 72-year old singer, saying he "reminded Albertina that my middle name was Walker."
"She now calls me cousin," Bush said. "She reminded me her brother's name is George Walker. I call him W," he added to a ripple of laughter. "We're honored you're here cousin."

An emotional Walker thanked Bush for the invitation, and appeared delighted to be at the White House, saying that while she would not sing, "Today is my day."
"I'm in the White House, talking," she told the crowd. "I'm so blessed."