Lizzo Borrows James Madison’s Priceless Crystal Flute From Library Of Congress For Concert

Topline

Singer—and classically trained flutist—Lizzo borrowed a princess crystal flute made for President James Madison from the Library of Congress to play at a concert Tuesday in Washington, D.C., a 200-year-old instrument that had rarely been played before her visit.

Key Facts

Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Jefferson, visited the Library of Congress on Monday, after learning from an employee on Twitter about the special instrument, which is housed at the library as part of the world’s largest flute collection, the library said in a blog post.

Before Lizzo played the prized flute—which was created by French craftsman Claude Laurent and saved by Dolley Madison when the British attacked the White House in 1814—the museum’s curators ensured it could be used without damaging it.

When the “About Damn Time” singer asked if she could play the crystal flute during her Tuesday concert at the Capital One Arena, the museum’s curators made sure it could “be transported in a customized protective container” before lending it out, and it was secured by a team of professionals backstage.

Onstage, Lizzo compared playing the flute to “playing a wine glass” and twerked while she made music with it, something she also did while visiting the Library of Congress.

Crucial Quote

“NOBODY HAS EVER HEARD THIS FAMOUS CRYSTAL FLUTE BEFORE NOW YOU HAVE IM THE FIRST & ONLY PERSON TO EVER PLAY THIS PRESIDENTIAL 200-YEAR-OLD CRYSTAL FLUTE— THANK YOU @librarycongress,” Lizzo tweeted, with a video of her playing the instrument onstage.

Key Background

Lizzo, 34, is best known as a vocalist, but she began playing the flute in her junior high school’s marching band over 20 years ago. She attended the University of Houston on a music scholarship, and told The Cut in 2019 that she practices for four hours a day, when her schedule permits. Her flute is named Sasha Flute, after Beyoncé’s alter-ego Sasha Fierce. She brought a gold flute to the red carpet of the Met Gala this spring.

Tangent

Laurent’s glass flutes “held its pitch and tone better during changes in temperature and humidity” compared to wood or ivory-made instruments that were common at the time. Only 185 of his flutes are still in existence, and the Library of Congress owns 17, more than any other collector. The flute Lizzo played has belonged to the museum for 81 years.

Further Reading

2022 Song Of The Summer Tracker: Harry Styles Leads, But Can Beyonce Or Lizzo Catch Up? (Forbes)

Lizzo Tops Hot 100 Again As Glass Animals’ ‘Heat Waves’ Breaks Chart Record (Forbes)