Jazz Articles about Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon & Spiro Agnew: Dick & Spiro Play Duke & Billy

by Ken Dryden
April 1, 2022

Anyone who has read much history probably knows that President Richard Nixon once serenaded ex-President Harry Truman during a White House visit by playing “Missouri Waltz" on the piano in his honor (he was unaware that Truman hated the song). But history buffs may overlook that Nixon's Vice President, Spiro Agnew also played piano and was brave enough to play some of his favorite Duke Ellington tunes during the 1969 White House seventieth birthday party for the composer, as mentioned ...