A Fresh Perspective on Lady Bird Johnson Through Her Own Voice

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As she crafted a podcast about Lady Bird Johnson, Texas college student Jade Emerson found herself deeply engaged with the former first lady’s voice. This extensive exposure, spanning from childhood recollections to her advisory role in the White House, left a profound impression on Emerson, who serves as the host and producer of the University of Texas podcast titled “Lady Bird.”

The podcast, released earlier this year, is part of a wave of recent initiatives that harness Johnson’s distinctive voice to shed new light on the first lady, who passed away in 2007. These initiatives include the documentary “The Lady Bird Diaries,” set to debut on Hulu, and an exhibition in Austin at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library.

Johnson’s audio diary, initiated during the chaotic period following her husband’s ascent to presidency after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, was released by the library roughly a decade after her death. This audio complements her post-presidential interviews and narrated home movies.

Lara Hall, curator at the LBJ Presidential Library, emphasizes the previously underappreciated extent of Johnson’s behind-the-scenes contributions. The library’s exhibit “Lady Bird: Beyond the Wildflowers” highlights her diverse impacts. Due to its popularity, the library contemplates incorporating elements of this temporary exhibit into its permanent collection.

Emerson, who graduated with a journalism degree from UT in May, based her podcast on Johnson’s interviews with the presidential library staff. She was captivated by Johnson’s narration of her own journey, including running her husband’s congressional office during World War II and reviving a radio station in Austin.

The new documentary by Dawn Porter, inspired by Julia Sweig’s 2021 biography and an associated podcast, offers an intimate look at Johnson’s White House years, from her strategic advice to her environmental and women’s advocacy. Porter highlights Johnson’s role as a skilled campaigner, exemplified by her “Lady Bird Special” train tour in the South amid racial tensions post the Civil Rights Act.

Luci Baines Johnson, the couple’s daughter, recalls her mother’s dedication to her audio tapes, a process fueled by her degrees in history and journalism. Emerson regards her podcast work as immensely enriching, noting that Johnson’s voice and legacy continue to inspire her.

In summary, these projects featuring Lady Bird Johnson’s voice provide a deeper understanding of her life and influence, revealing facets of her personality and contributions that have long remained overshadowed.

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More about Lady Bird Johnson

• Lady Bird Johnson podcast
• The Lady Bird Diaries documentary
• LBJ Presidential Library exhibit
• Lady Bird Johnson’s audio diary
• Julia Sweig’s 2021 biography