Anthony Blinken sang a classic song and played guitar at the beginning of Diplomatic Effort

US Secretary of State, Anthony BlinkenNot only to give a speech at an official event, but also to give a concert, he was surprised to show off his guitar skills with a classic blues song.

The 61-year-old diplomat described himself as a “(very) amateur guitarist” and showed off his skills in guitar playing and singing. “Hoochie Coochie Man” by Muddy Waters.

Blinken, showing his rock star side, joked before his performance: “If this doesn’t destroy the room, I don’t know what will.” He later showed the video on his social networks and wrote, “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to combine music and diplomacy”.

The pictures quickly went viral with many positive comments. “OMG… this is incredible!” exclaimed one user, echoing the sentiments of many. Others praised Blinken’s hidden talent, with one comment: “Wow, I had no idea! Very nice”, and another said: “I really liked your hidden talents. Well done @SecBlinken.”

Blinken, who will serve as the 71st Secretary of State beginning in January 2021, He has three songs on Spotify under the alias AblinkenIt shows a lesser known side of his multifaceted personality.

The unexpected event was within the framework of the initiation of this initiative.”Global Music Diplomacy”, which seeks to position music as a powerful tool to support peace, democracy and broader foreign policy goals.

The star-studded event featured live performances from a host of artists including Jamie Barton, Gayle, Dave Grohl, Mickey Kyden and Herbie Hancock. Quincy Jones received the first Peace of Mind with Music Prize Its important role in promoting peace through cultural exchanges and music.

The launch of the “Global Music Diplomacy” initiative led to three major announcements: a partnership with the Recording Academy for the American Music Mentoring Program, efforts to promote English learning abroad, and a Fulbright-Kennedy Center Visiting Scholar in the Arts and Sciences. .

Reflects initiative, Blinken highlighted music’s ability to connect cultures and tell America’s story around the world. By launching this initiative, we hope to expose a new generation of global audiences to what previous generations found so fascinating: our people and our culture. “We have no more powerful tools in our diplomatic toolbox, and I look forward to seeing — and hearing — the results of this effort.”

The development of the “Global Music Diplomacy” initiative follows the promotion of peace, education, and cultural exchange (PEACE) through the Music Diplomacy Act of 2022, which represents a unique approach to international relations that harmonizes diplomacy and music.

From President Roosevelt’s founding of the Office of Inter-American Affairs (OIAA) in 1940, to 300,000 fans in East Berlin in 1988, the year before the Wall came down, the State Department has long established music-based diplomatic efforts. , 2010’s “The Next Level,” an attempt to create a global community through hip-hop.

(With information from AP)