Legends of Country Take a Victory Lap in Truman’s Alley

Country music struck a different kind of chord in the nation’s capital this week, as a group of legendary country artists laced up their bowling shoes for a one-of-a-kind evening inside the Truman Bowling Alley at the White House. The event marked the first time in history that country music stars were invited to bowl at the iconic venue.

Neal McCoy, John Berry, Bryan White, T.G. Sheppard, Kelly Lang, T. Graham Brown, Janie Fricke, Halfway to Hazard’s Chad Warrix, and Deborah Allen were among the celebrated artists who took part in the unforgettable two-hour bowling experience beneath the North Portico.

“I had no idea that there was a bowling alley in The White House,” said country star T. Graham Brown. “To get invited in the first group of country music artists to bowl was awesome! It was something that memories are made of.”

Fellow legend Janie Fricke echoed the sentiment, calling the moment a true honor. “I was so excited to have been invited to The White House to bowl in the Truman Bowling Alley. It was truly a Country Music Bowling Night…Strike, Strike, Strike! Thank you, President Trump for welcoming us to ‘the people’s house.’”

The Truman Bowling Alley, nestled within the White House compound, has a storied history of its own. Originally opened on April 19, 1947, the two-lane alley was a gift to President Harry S. Truman from fellow Missourians, intended to honor him ahead of his 63rd birthday. While poker was Truman’s game of choice, he bowled the first ceremonial frame, knocking down seven pins — one of which is now housed at the Smithsonian.

Though Truman himself didn’t use the alley frequently, he encouraged White House staff to form a bowling league in 1950. The league featured Secret Service agents, household staff, switchboard operators, and more — and even competed in tournaments across the country. To the surprise of many opponents, their competitors were from the actual White House.

The original alley was closed in 1955 under President Eisenhower, who converted it into a mimeograph room. A new alley was later installed in the Old Executive Office Building, where President Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson often bowled. Eventually, President Nixon commissioned a one-lane alley directly beneath the North Portico, which remains in place today and was the site of this week’s event.

The White House has long included recreational facilities for presidential use, from putting greens to jogging tracks, but this week, it was all about the pins and the pride of country music.

Pictured together at the event were Chad Warrix, Deborah Allen, John Berry, Neal McCoy, Janie Fricke, T. Graham Brown, Kelly Lang, Bryan White, and T.G. Sheppard — each holding a bowling ball, grinning like kids on Christmas morning, and ready to make a little history of their own.

Country music may be best known for its twang, storytelling, and heartfelt lyrics — but on this night, it was about friendly competition, laughter, and striking up memories in one of the most unique places in the nation.