Alison Krauss, Brad Paisley and Charley Pride Charm White House Crowd Performance Marks Second Concert in White House's Music Series July 22, 2009; Wr

Alison Krauss and Brad Paisley

Photo Credit: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Alison Krauss, Brad Paisley and Charley Pride brought country music to the nation's capital and apparently charmed the first family during a Tuesday night (July 21) concert in the East Room of the White House.

The performance, streamed live on the Internet, was the second concert in the White House's music series hosted by President Barack Obama and the first lady. Eddie Stubbs, the disc jockey from WSM-AM/Nashville who served as emcee, complimented the president by pointing out, "It only took you six months to get country music to the White House. God bless you, sir."

Following a brief welcome from the president, the hour-long event opened with Krauss singing "Let Me Touch You for Awhile." Backed by her Union Station band and Dobro player Jerry Douglas, their performance was perfect -- which is the norm for these particular musicians.

For the second song, Krauss put guitarist Dan Tyminski in the spotlight to reprise his vocal performance of "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow," the song he recorded as a member of the Soggy Bottom Boys for the film, O Brother, Where Art Thou? Krauss followed with "Ghost in This House" and closed with "Every Time You Say Goodbye."

Charley Pride, who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000, was up next, opening his three-song set with one of his No. 1 singles from 1970, "Is Anybody Goin' to San Antone." With 28 other No. 1's to choose from Pride had plenty of choices, but he settled on "Kiss an Angel Good Morning" and "Mountain of Love."

Paisley emphasized songs from his new album, American Saturday Night. Beginning his part of the show with the title track, he performed his latest No. 1 single, "Then," suggesting it would sound particularly good on Air Force One. Krauss returned to the stage for the duet, "Whiskey Lullaby," before Paisley finished with "Welcome to the Future." With lyrics about the technological, social and political changes America has experienced, the song had an additional resonance Tuesday night because of the Obamas.

Earlier in the day, Krauss and Paisley were featured in a workshop and question-and-answer session for 120 middle and high school students. Some 40 students from Nashville's W.O. Smith Community Music School attended the session conducted by Jay Orr, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's vice president of museum programs.

The White House music series began in June with a jazz concert featuring Wynton Marsalis, his father Ellis and brothers Branford, Delfeayo and Jason. Also performing was saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera.

In Obama's introductory remarks, he demonstrated his understanding of country music.

"I know folks think I'm a city boy, but I do appreciate listening to country music because like all Americans, I appreciate the broad and indelible impact that country has had on our nation," the president said. "It's touched countless lives. It's influenced all genres of music. It's helped us make the American people more hopeful. It's captured our restlessness and resilience and told so much of our story in the process.

"After all, that's what country music is all about -- storytelling. It's about folks telling their life story the best way they know how -- stories of love and longing, hope and heartbreak, pride and pain. Stories that help us celebrate the good times and get over the bad times. Stories that are quintessentially American. After all, name me any other country that would have produced a Hank Williams or a Willie Nelson."

View photos of Alison Krauss and Brad Paisley at the White House.

CMT Insider: Gary Allan's Attorney Discusses Restraining Order in Stalking Case Nashville Woman Prohibited From Contact With Singer and His Band Membe

Gary Allan

An attorney for Gary Allan says the singer-songwriter is relieved that a permanent restraining order has been issued for a 47-year-old Nashville woman who has allegedly been stalking him.

Police in Hendersonville, Tenn., arrested Katherine Walker in May following an incident at Allan's house. She was charged with stalking Allan and burglarizing and vandalizing his home. Sumner County Chancery Court Judge Tom Gray issued the permanent restraining order Tuesday (July 21) following testimony by Allan and several of his band members and business associates.

Walker, who represented herself at the hearing, claimed Allan had bugged her phone and written songs about her. Attorney Allen Ehmling represented Allan.

"The judge basically said that based upon the proof we presented today, the temporary restraining order that restrains her from coming around Gary or his band or his house ... is permanent now, so she can't come around at all," Ehmling told CMT Insider. Despite Walker's allegations against Allan, the attorney said, "There's nothing based in fact or truth. When it came time to bring forth the evidence, she brought nothing."

Although Allan is a celebrity, the attorney said his client has a right to privacy.

"Dealing with fans, there's some of that adoration that goes with the job," he said. "However, when someone starts coming over to your home, damages your property, tries to get into your home, goes through the vehicles, throws bricks through your window, throws furniture into the pool off a second-floor balcony, I think that crosses the line clearly. It's time that something needs to be done to re-establish that line between public person and private person."

In questioning Allan on the witness stand, Walker asked, "Are you aware that this is all really depressing to me?"

"Then go away," the singer replied.

"So you're really trying to help me -- a person with depression right now?" Walker continued.

"I just want you to leave me alone," Allan said. "I don't know anything about you."

Ehmling later said of Walker, "She's lost everybody she knows, everybody's she's close to and apparently including her children. ... I think it's just a function of being sad and depressed and lonely. ... The remedy here, ultimately, is if she continues this behavior, he [Allan] has the right to put her in jail. Now, nobody wants to do that. What we want is to be left alone."

Walker still faces criminal charges in connection with the incident at Allan's house. She is scheduled to be arraigned Friday (July 24) on the criminal charges.

As for Allan, Ehmling said, "I think he's glad to have it behind him. Wouldn't anybody be? Now all he's got to do is deal with whatever the district attorney wants on the criminal side. As far as the civil case, we're glad it's over and done with."