Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Eric G. John, George Benson and Al Jarreau Reception, Tuesday, September 9, 2008 (As Prepared for Delivery)
Good Evening. Sophia and I would like to welcome all of you to our home. We also want to recognize the presence here tonight of Ajarn Manrat Srikaranonda, Dr. Pathorn Srikaranonda and Khun Kavi Ansvananda, members of HM the King’s Or Sor Band. Neil Thompson, Deputy Managing Director of BEC Tero Entertainment.
Sophia and I are honored to host George Benson and Al Jarreau this evening. This reception is part of a series of events we have hosted at our residence in honor of the 175th anniversary of Thai-U.S. relations. During our year-long celebration here at the Residence, we have had the Southern rock and folk Livingston Duo for a concert, legendary writer Paul Theroux for a luncheon discussion, jazz artist and actor Harry Connick Jr. for a reception, an NBA/WNBA delegation for a reception during a week-long basketball camp for kids from all over Thailand, and actor John Cusack for a dinner event. And, of course, we were honored to host a luncheon here one month ago for the President of the United States, George W. Bush, when he was here to celebrate our 175 years of relations – the oldest U.S. relationship in all of Asia.
That brings us to tonight, and what is for Sophia and me, without a doubt, the cultural highlight of the year. We have with us tonight two legends of American music. For me and my wife, the music of George Benson and Al Jarreau is part of the soundtrack of our lives. Between the two of them, they have won 18 Grammies. Both men have had their share of hit singles: George struck gold with “Give Me the Night,” “The Greatest Love of All,” “Turn Your Love Around,” and his haunting version of “This Masquerade.” Al has “Moonlighting,” “Mornin’” and “We’re In This Love Together.” And they have many more. Al has charted 23 times; George has charted 24 times. And their most recent CD, their first together, hit #1 on the U.S. jazz charts.
But just hitting the charts or winning Grammies doesn’t make one a legend. If you listen to their body of work, or go to their concerts, you will find out what makes a legend. Like a two other American legends -- Bob Dylan and Brian Wilson -- George Benson and Al Jarreau are even better than they were thirty years ago. Al’s last two CDs – “All I Got” and “Accentuate the Positive” – show that his musicianship and voice are even finer with age. George and Al’s most recent CD – “Givin’ It Up” -- is stunning.
I think what makes this evening most special, though, is that these are two great Americans. As Sophia and I have gotten to know them over the years, we have seen the kind and great souls that form the foundation of their music. They personify what is best about American music and musicians.
Sophia and I would like to offer a toast to Mr. Benson and Mr. Jarreau, to 175 years of U.S.-Thai relations, and to the success and happiness of everyone in this room tonight.
Now I would like to ask George and Al if they would care to offer some comments for all of us here this evening.