96. Airgram From the Consulate in Curacao to the Department of State1
SUBJECT
- Request for Country Western Music
A local radio station has requested that the Consulate General furnish it with tapes of country western music, specifically Johnny Cash and similar performers.
A thorough search of the tape library at this post does not reveal a single country western tape. There are numerous jazz, Latin rhythms, [Page 234] “soul music”, “hippie music”, chamber music, semi-classical and other tapes available. Such music no doubt has its place but not at the complete exclusion of the very popular country western.
The phenomenon of Johnny Cash as a top-flight performer both on television and radio has swept America and has been recognized throughout our country. Johnny Cash has been given very special recognition by President Nixon as a guest at the White House.2
Country western music represents the very foundations of America and its music and it should have earned a place in our endeavors to feature American culture abroad. Perhaps far too little emphasis has been placed over the years on the exportation of programs which represent the taste of the majority of Americans.
The Consulate General would appreciate a supply of Johnny Cash tapes and similar American country western stars as soon as possible.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, CUL 14. Unclassified. Drafted by Lofton. Sent to the Department for USIA. A copy was sent to USIS in Caracas. There is no time of transmission on the airgram. A stamped notation indicates that it was received in the Department on July 15 at 12:11 p.m.↩
- Cash performed at the White House on April 17. For additional information, see Nan Robertson, “Cash and Country Music Take White House Stage,” New York Times, April 18, 1970, p. 33.↩
- Lofton initialed “HML” next to this typed signature.↩