HistoryTalks…AND Sings!

Four former Presidents…three First Ladies…a seven-time Super Bowl champion...the Male Solo Artist of the 20th Century…and others gathered as the United States prepares to mark its 250^th birthday!

It’s called HistoryTalks…and it’s a day-long series of panel conversations and interviews produced by the History Channel – a live speaker series that invites audiences to experience history-making conversations with trailblazers, global leaders, witnesses, authors and filmmakers. The 2026 edition was held – appropriately – in Philadelphia, the city where the Declaration of Independence was created and signed.

Barack and Michelle Obama, Joe and Dr. Jill Biden, Bill and Hillary Clinton and George W. Bush took part in the dialogue…along with NFL great Tom Brady…Oscar winner Nicole Kidman…and Country Music Artist Garth Brooks. The History Channel brought them all together to talk politics, sports, movies, music and more as the nation prepares to mark its 250^th.

“What an honor – not only to be mentioned with those names but getting the chance to represent the history of music,” Garth said after the event. “I believe music is not only the language of love and healing – I believe music is the voice of hope.”

That was evident in Garth’s portion of the program. Interviewed by journalist and documentary-maker Perri Peltz, Garth (and his guitar) walked through the past 70 years of music in America. An unexpected highlight came when Peltz acknowledged the Chief Executives who’d been onstage earlier in the day and asked Garth for something he would do if he was President of the United States. Without missing a beat, he replied, “I would do what no president has yet to do…and I’m stunned a president hasn’t done this already. The first thing I would do is move Halloween to the last Saturday in October.” As the crowd erupted in applause at the idea, Peltz shared their enthusiasm, saying, “Garth Brooks for President!”

The day’s events began with a performance by the United States Army Field Band…and the conversations were interspersed with tributes to everyday Americans who embody the nation’s founding spirit. HistoryTalks also included Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza and Saturday Night Live writer-actors Tina Fey and Colin Jost, among others. Past events have featured such diverse voices as Julia Roberts, Serena Williams, George Clooney, Billie Jean King and Tom Hanks.