President’s Day Special: When Presidents Meet Rock Stars
It doesn’t happen often but when Presidents meet Rock musicians it usually occurs when a musician is being recognized for career achievements (White House events/Kennedy Center Honors) or good works.
A detailed count reveals that Barack Obama has met the most Rock stars than any other President (a complete list is at the bottom of the page).
But there is more to the story…
Rock musicians who have met the most Presidents:
Bruce Springsteen (pictured) – 3 (Joe Biden, Obama & Clinton).
He was awarded The National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medal by Biden in ’23.
Bono – 4 (Biden, Obama, Bill Clinton & George W. Bush).
In ’25, Bono received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Musician who has hung with a President the most:
Kid Rock with Donald Trump.
Rock has been to the White House a few times for political events, appeared with Trump at campaign rallies and even went golfing with the President.
Rock has been a long-time MAGA/Trump supporter.
Band whose song became a Presidential campaign theme:
Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop” was used by the Clinton campaign in ’92. Yes, the use of the song was authorized.
Written by the band’s Christine McVie was release in 1977.
Worst case of mistaken identity:
Bono (U2) and George W. Bush
Bono came to the White House, on March 14th, 2002, to lobby for funds to fight the AIDS epidemic and financial assistance to poor countries.
When they were introduced, Bush thought he was talking to Cher’s ex-husband Sonny Bono (of Sonny & Cher fame in the ’60s), who served as a Congressman for California’s 4th district from 1995 until his death in 1998.
When they met, Sonny Bono had been dead for a few years. The confusion was cleared up and Bono made his pitch. Reportedly, Bush was impressed.
Most mystical meeting:
George Harrison and Gerald Ford
Ford’s son Jack invited the touring Harrison to the White House. On November. 16th, 1974 Ford presented Harrison with a WIN (Whip Inflation Now) button in the Oval Office. Harrison was later spotted onstage wearing the WIN button.
Harrison reciprocated by giving Ford an “Om” (sacred sound) mantra pin representative of Harrison’s interest in Eastern spirituality.
Weirdest encounter:
Richard Nixon and Elvis Presley.
On December 21st,1970 Elvis Presley dropped in on President Richard Nixon at the White House. No invitation, no warning. Elvis was convinced drugs were ruining America’s youth and he offered to help deal with the problem.
After much panic and hasty deliberation, the White House staff allowed Elvis to see the President. All that really came from the meeting was a picture of a very stoned Elvis shaking hands with a very uncomfortable Nixon.
Who The Presidents Have Met (while in office):
Barak Obama (2009-2017)
- Led Zeppelin
- Bruce Springsteen
- Bono (U2)
- Bob Dylan
- Paul McCartney (The Beatles/Wings/Solo)
- John Mellencamp
- Carlos Santana
- Billy Joel
- Sting (The Police/Solo)
Bill Clinton (1993-2001)
- Bruce Springsteen
- Led Zeppelin
- Bono (U2)
- Fleetwood Mac
- John Mellencamp
Donald Trump (2017-2021 & 2025-)
- Kid Rock
- Bret Michaels (Poison)
- Dee Snider (Twisted Sister)
- Meat Loaf
George W. Bush (2001-2009)
- Bono (U2)
- Gene Simmons (KISS)
- Brian Setzer (Stray Cats)
Joe Biden (2021-2025)
- Elton John
- Bono
- Bruce Springsteen
Jimmy Carter (1977-1981)
- Bob Dylan
- Allman Brothers Band
Ronald Reagan (1981-1989)
- Beach Boys
Richard Nixon (1969-1974)
- Elvis Presley
Gerald Ford (1974-1978)
- George Harrison (The Beatles)
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