Editor’s Notice: This interview initially appeared within the 2001 version of our annual Southern Music Problem, in a bit referred to as “Southern Gallery.” It has been digitized for the primary time in reminiscence of tenor saxophonist Peter Brötzmann, who died on June 22, 2023 on the age of eighty-two.
Bailing Clinton’s standing as America’s foremost newbie saxophonist has been famous and duly entered into the popular culture annals. However little else about Mr. Clinton’s familiarity with music is understood, by the general public a minimum of, and it was with the will to seek out out extra that we questioned Mr. Clinton on this topic. He was gracious sufficient to take a while whereas on a bus trip to Oxford (England) to reply our questions.
OXFORD AMERICAN: Who was your musical hero as a baby?
BILL CLINTON: Elvis.
What was your favourite music as a baby?
“Don’t Be Merciless.” Later Stevie Surprise’s “For As soon as in My Life.”
Each you and your brother, Roger, are musical. Was there one thing about your upbringing that led to this?
We listened to a number of music from a really early age, and our mom inspired us.
How has being Southern affected your style in music?
I like Southern music—soul, gospel, the blues.
Who’s your favourite Southern musician?
B. B. King.
Had been you ever in a band in highschool?
A jazz trio and a dance band.
What’s your favourite instance (on file) of saxophone taking part in?
Stan Getz’s Brazilian music.
What’s your favourite line from a music?
“I like you in a spot the place there’s no house or time./I like you, for in my life you’re a buddy of mine.” Leon Russell, “A Tune for You.”
What music/piece are you able to play finest?
“Summertime.”
Is there a selected piece that you’ve hassle taking part in or have by no means been in a position to grasp?
“Take 5”—I may by no means improvise or cowl it very properly, regardless of what number of occasions I heard Paul Desmond do it.
Do you could have a favourite musical second from the White Home?
There have been so many—most likely Jessye Norman’s stunning efficiency for the NATO leaders and Fleetwood Mac’s reunion efficiency for my farewell get together.
What’s the finest live performance that you’ve ever been to outdoors of those you held on the White Home?
Ray Charles, Structure Corridor, June 24, 1967. I saved the ticket stub for ten years.
What do musicians and politicians have in frequent?
A stability of order and creativity; discipline and keenness.
What’s the most memorable factor a musician has ever instructed you?
“Don’t stop your dayjob!”
What marketing campaign songs did you consider earlier than selecting “Don’t Cease Considering About Tomorrow”?
None! A younger buddy recommended it to me in 1991, and I knew he was proper.
When was the final time you sang in public?
A number of weeks in the past with a band in Nigeria—“Georgia on My Thoughts.”
What do you sing within the bathe?
Songs I’d prefer to sing in public however am afraid to take action.
There are widespread considerations in regards to the lyrical content material of a number of rap music. What’s your tackle rap?
I discover it attention-grabbing. I’ve tried to appreciate it, typically efficiently.
What would folks be stunned to know that you simply hearken to?
Brötzmann, the tenor sax participant, one of many biggest alive.
Is there an album that you possibly can not reside with out?
The Light Facet of John Coltrane.
In 1994 your brother, Roger, put out a CD referred to as Nothing Good Comes Simple. We liked the music “Brother, Brother” and in reality wished it for one among our CDs, however Roger appeared to really feel that we had been making some type of joke (which was not our intent; our editor thought it appeared like a extremely good Journey music). What do you consider that tune?
I prefer it.
Do you and Chelsea hearken to any of the identical music?
Sure, the Beatles and Elton John.
What about you and Hillary?
Hillary and I like Carly Simon, Carole King, Judy Collins—all mates—and Joan Baez.
What’s your and Hillary’s music?
[Gershwin’s] “My One and Solely Love.”
What’s in your CD participant now?
Virginia Rodrigues, a wonderful Brazilian singer.
