Last month, Clements Guitars had the prestigious honor of participating in the 41@100 Celebration, commemorating the 100th birthday of President George H.W. Bush. Commissioned by the George and Barbara Bush Foundation, Clements Guitars crafted two exquisite guitars that now hold a special place in the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. This remarkable event underscored Clements Guitars’ unwavering commitment to excellence and their role in preserving history through the art of handcrafted instruments.
The Commission and the Event:
The George and Barbara Bush Foundation’s commission included two unique guitars: the George H.W. Bush 32 Series Clements Guitar and the first-of-its-kind JDC Series honoring the 4141 Locomotive. The 32 Series guitar, signed by The Oak Ridge Boys, The Gatlin Brothers, Lyle Lovett, and Robert Earl Keen, is set to be auctioned at next year’s Presidential Salute Dinner in Houston, with proceeds benefiting the Foundation. The JDC Series guitar, designed to match the Air Force One color palette, will remain on display at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum as part of the 41@100 exhibit.
Honoring a Legacy Through Music:
Trey Clements, the head luthier at Clements Guitars, expressed his deep connection to Texas heritage through his craftsmanship. “Before I had ever begun putting pencil to paper, I knew that I wanted my guitars to display the same courageous spirit that led my ancestors to shape not only their destinies, but that of Texas as well,” Trey reflects. This spirit was evident in the meticulous creation of the two commissioned guitars, each representing a piece of history and a commitment to quality that Clements Guitars is known for.
Event Highlights:
The celebration was a grand affair, featuring intimate performances by notable artists such as The Oak Ridge Boys and The Gatlin Brothers. A particularly memorable moment was when Robert Earl Keen, one of our generation’s most prolific songwriters, played the Clements 32 Series guitar during sound check, pictured below. The event was a testament to the enduring legacy of President George H.W. Bush and the power of music to bring people together.
As noted by the Texas A&M College of Arts and Sciences, “Lyle Lovett And Robert Earl Keen Bring Their Hits To Aggieland For Bush Centennial. The country music stars, both Texas A&M graduates with majors housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, performed as part of the 41@100 celebration in honor of President George H.W. Bush.”
“It’s such an honor to be here. Coming back to Texas A&M always feels like coming home. … I think it makes every Aggie proud to know that President Bush wanted his library to be here.” Lyle Lovett ’79
The 41@100 Celebration was not just an event but a historical moment that brought together music, legacy, and craftsmanship. Clements Guitars is proud to have contributed to this significant celebration, creating instruments that will forever symbolize the legacy of President George H.W. Bush. As these guitars continue to inspire and be appreciated by many, Clements Guitars reaffirms its commitment to excellence and the preservation of history through the art of handcrafted musical instruments.
For more information on Clements Guitars and their exceptional craftsmanship, visit Clements Guitars online or contact Trey directly at trey@clementsguitars.com!