Bill Clinton

“ Country music is a distinctly American treasure, drawing on the deepest cultural roots of our Nation's people. It reflects a storytelling impulse born of mountain balladry and cowboy songs. It combines an exciting instrumental texture of string bands and jazz orchestras, a heartfelt vocal style of religious and blues singing, and a contagious rhythm that inspires dancing in listeners of all ages. ”

“ The emotions of the myriad peaks and valleys of life find a vibrant voice in country music. Relating experiences all of us share, these songs boast a long and proud tradition in our national heritage. For the better part of our history, country music's many talented singers and songwriters from across the land have touched the hearts and minds of our citizens-rural and urban, rich and poor, young and old. ”