Conversation 859-018

TapeTape 859StartWednesday, February 21, 1973 at 10:17 AMEndWednesday, February 21, 1973 at 10:19 AMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President)Recording deviceOval Office

AI Summary

President Nixon dictated a personal letter to composer Meredith Willson to express appreciation for Willson's recent letter in the Los Angeles Times regarding political philosophy and music. The President affirmed his own conservative outlook and shared lighthearted commentary on the varied, often unorthodox, international renditions of the American national anthem he encountered during his travels. This brief recording served to facilitate official correspondence between the President and the musician.

Meredith WillsonConservatismNational AnthemCorrespondenceFrancis Scott Key

Audio

NARA Description

On February 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:17 am and 10:19 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 859-018 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 859-18

Date: February 21, 1973
Time: Unknown between 10:17 am and 10:19 am
Location: Oval Office

       The President dictated a letter to Robert Meredith Willson

       Thanks for letter in Los Angeles Times
             -President's political philosophy
                      -Conservatism
             -National Anthem
                      -Renditions
                              -President's travels abroad
                      -Francis Scott Key
                              -Musical composition

Transcript (AI-Generated)

This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.

This is for Meredith Wilson, here in America.

I was delighted with your letter to the Los Angeles Times paragraph.

I consider myself a conservative, both politically and physically.

However, I thought your essay... ...sang superbly, very... ...sorry to interrupt you.

I'm sorry to interrupt you.

who have sang or played of all the national anthems.

You should hear what some of the bands abroad and outside have done to the Exclamation Point Paragon.

It's too bad that, quote, Section 76 trombones, close quote,

wasn't available when Francis Scott and Curt Peake wrote those memorable words.

← 859-017 859-019 →