Two Cheers for Lizzo and James Madison’s Crystal Flute

To say that Lizzo played the flute during the concert is generous: She barely fluttered through a couple of notes before shaking her derriere like she just didn’t care.

When video of this performance circulated, some prominent conservatives saw it as a demonstration of the left’s disrespect for the American founding. “They degrade our history,” one wrote. Another claimed: “This is about humiliating white people, about desecrating American history and heritage.” While there were unfortunate elements to Lizzo’s performance, this was an overreaction; there was actually a lot to admire about the moment.

True, Lizzo’s suggestive dancing detracted from the historical significance of her playing an instrument that once belonged to the Father of the Constitution. So did her swearing (she really likes to swear) and her outfit, which looked like something Liberace would have designed for

Richard Simmons.

Yet it’s unfair to dwell on these details without noting that she told the audience the history of the flute and also raved, “History is cool, you guys”—not exactly Thucydides, but closer to him than anything I’ve ever heard at a concert. In these ways, she showed real respect for the instrument, which makes it hard to imagine the moment as a deliberate attempt to disparage America’s past. Rather, it was a clumsy attempt to celebrate it.

A better measure of Lizzo’s attitude toward the flute and what it represents is a much more subdued video that circulated later. If the first emphasized Lizzo the

Rump Shaker,

the second showcased Lizzo the Flautist. Recorded at the Library of Congress, it shows Lizzo dressed more appropriately and playing the flute for longer and with more skill. She also evinces sincere joy and appreciation for the opportunity to play the instrument in one of the country’s most beautiful buildings. And although she again spoils the moment with her Rump Shaker shtick, that routine is overshadowed by the length and skill of the flute playing.

There is poignant symbolism in seeing one of the nation’s most famous performers—and a black woman—demonstrate some reverence for an instrument that once belonged to one of our nation’s most important founding figures—and a slave owner. The moment signals both America’s imperfect progress and a healthy, though flawed, appreciation of our past.

Another important detail that’s getting lost in all this: It’s remarkable that a pop star like Lizzo works the flute into her stage show. In a 2019 interview with CBS, Lizzo explained the work she put into flute practice: “I remember in the fifth grade, I just wanted to be really good. I was, like, ‘I want to be really good at the flute. Everybody else is so bad.’ And it was so hard to be good at it. It’s a very difficult instrument. I became, like, obsessed with being good.” This is an impressive work ethic, directed toward an admirable end. It’s unfortunate that she almost always diminishes these solos by twerking or cursing, perhaps because she feels pretentious, elitist or simply incongruous when she plays the instrument.

With any luck, Lizzo will incorporate the flute into her singles. There’s precedent, albeit only slightly newer than Madison’s flute: Bands from the Beatles to Beastie Boys recorded great songs with a flute, and

Jethro Tull

based its entire sound around the instrument. Lizzo could inspire more young fans to take up the instrument and develop their own musical abilities.

In the meantime, we should see that despite the shortcomings of Lizzo’s concert performance, she demonstrated some reverence for American history—and this was even more clear in her performance at the Library of Congress. Let’s praise her for those positive moments and be glad she encouraged, albeit imperfectly, her millions of fans to share her awe.

Mr. Scalia is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.