Collection:LPB

Genre: Interview

Place Covered: Metairie, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, Washington D.C.

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1998-04-19

Duration: 00:23:11

Subjects: Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972 | Nixon, Richard M. (Richard Milhous), 1913-1994 | Carter, Jimmy, 1924- | Clinton, Bill, 1946- | Onassis, Jacqueline Kennedy, 1929-1994 | Nixon, Pat, 1912-1993 | Bourgeois, John R. | Music | Military | United States. Marine Corps. | United States Marine Band | INAUGURATIONS

Contributors:

• Weill, Gus Host
• Fowler, Ken Producer
• Bourgeois, John Interviewee

This episode of the series “Louisiana Legends” from April 19, 1998, features an interview with Lieutenant Colonel John Bourgeois conducted by Gus Weill. Bourgeois, a native of Metairie, served as the conductor of the United States Marine Corps Band from 1979-1996. He discusses: joining the Marine Corps after studying music at Loyola University; the first engagement he played with the band during the Eisenhower administration; Presidents Harry Truman, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton; First Ladies Jackie Kennedy and Pat Nixon; playing for Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to the United States for the Bicentennial celebration in 1976; President Clinton’s second inauguration, the first inauguration he did not conduct in 18 years; Princess Diana’s visit to the White House; his experiences of playing during wartime; the funeral of President John F. Kennedy; hearing the Spanish conductor Pablo Casals play during the Kennedy administration; and his current work with music students at Loyola University.