The recently held Trump Presidential Inauguration was yet another iconic moment in the nation’s history. Aside from welcoming the incoming number one and two citizens, inauguration ceremonies have been over the years, unforgettable cultural events. We are about to go down memory lane of memorable Presidential Inauguration performances.
Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, and The Village were some of the performers at the recently held Trump Inauguration. After having a difficult time securing big names for his previous inauguration in 2016, things were pretty different this time.
Inauguration performances have been vehicles of unity and togetherness. Country singer and American Idol winner Carrie Underwood cited these virtues as the reasons she honored the invitation to perform. Also, celebrities want to be part of history-making events such as this.
Carrie Underwood sang “America the Beautiful” after Trump’s inaugural address. The Village People sang “Y.M.C.A,” a song that became a regular at Trump campaign rallies. It was also the song that had the 47th President do his trademark “Trump dance.”
At Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, Jackie Evancho sang the national anthem to bring the event to a close. Also, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir delivered “America the Beautiful.”
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Some Iconic Presidential Inauguration Performances
For many decades, various celebrities and entertainers have added color to presidential inaugurations. From Beyonce to Stevie Wonder, there is a long list of unforgettable performers to usher in Oval Office occupants. Let’s see some of the notable Presidential Inauguration performances Americans have witnessed and enjoyed.
Charlie Chaplin and Mickey Rooney at Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Inauguration (1941)
Charlie Chaplin and 19-year-old Mickey Rooney made the Franklin D. Roosevelt 1941 inauguration one to remember. At the time, Chaplin was making waves due to his fascism satire “The Great Dictator.”
He blessed the audience once more with his movie character’s memorable speech. Teenage comedy sensation Mickey Rooney performed a piano concerto before pulling off a hilarious Clark Gable impression.
Marian Anderson at Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Inauguration (1957)
Marian Anderson performed “The Star-Sprangled Banner” at Dwight Eisenhower’s 1957 swearing-in ceremony. The renowned opera singer was, at the time, the most famous black woman in America. Her rich voice rang across the grounds of the Capitol, inspiring unity and hope for the nation.
Frank Sinatra at John F. Kennedy’s Inauguration (1961)
Sinatra sang “You Make Me Feel So Young” at John F. Kennedy’s 1961 swearing-in ceremony. He also attracted numerous celebrities to the preinaugural gala. Some, like Sydney Poitier, came from outside the country.
James Brown at Richard Nixon’s Inauguration (1969)
Despite voting for Democrat candidate Hubert Humphrey, musical genius James Brown showed up for Richard Nixon’s swearing-in celebration. Brown performed his civil rights inspired-song, “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m So Proud,” at the 1969 event. He went on to endorse Nixon for a second term.
Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Stewart at Ronald Reagan’s Inauguration (1981)
Frank Sinatra showed up yet again for another inauguration. This time, it was for President Ronald Reagan in 1981. Jimmy Stewart, Bob Hope, and Johnny Carson joined him in the star-studded list of attendees.
Michael Jackson and Maya Angelou at Bill Clinton’s Inauguration (1993)
One of the most celebrated presidential inauguration performers ever is the king of pop, Michael Jackson. Together with Stevie Nicks, Jackson sang “Don’t Stop” at Bill Clinton’s 1993 inaugural ball.
There were also performances from Elton John, Barbra Streisand, and Bill Cosby. Also in attendance was the celebrated American poet, writer, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou. She recited her poem, “On the Pulse of the Morning,” at the inauguration proper.
Destiny’s Child at George W. Bush’s Inauguration (2001)
Popular R&B group Destiny’s Child was among the top performers at President George W. Bush’s inauguration in 2001. They took the stage at the Celebrating America’s Youth concert. Other performers were Jessica Simpson, Nick Lachey, and boy group 98 Degrees, who performed at the request of Bush’s daughters.
Hilary Duff and Jojo at George W. Bush’s Inauguration (2005)
Hilary Duff, Jojo, and Kelsey Grammer graced President George Bush’s 2005 inauguration. Among the list of stars who shone at the event included Gloria Estefan, the 2003 winner of American Idol, Ruben Studdard, and Comedian Ben Stein.
Katy Perry and Lady Gaga at Joe Biden’s Inauguration (2021)
Pop sensations Katy Perry and Lady Gaga were on the ground for President Joe Biden’s inauguration party in 2021. Lady Gaga performed “The Star-Sprangled Banner.” Jennifer Lopez did “This Land Is Your Land” and “America the Beautiful.” At the swearing-in proper, 22-year-old Amanda Gorman delivered her poem, “The Hill We Climb.”
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Who Was the First African-American To Perform at a Presidential Inauguration?
The first African-American to perform at a presidential inauguration was Marian Anderson. The opera singer sang the national anthem at the event. Since then, the inauguration floodgates have been opened to African-Americans, who have been featured prominently.
But before that, African-Americans had featured in presidential inaugurations. The first ever was Jonathan P. Hicks, who took part in the inaugural parade for Abraham Lincoln in 1865.
Who Performed at Barack Obama’s Presidential Inaugurations?
Some of the most exciting lineups of inauguration performers were in President Obama’s inaugurations. His 2009 inauguration had Beyonce, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, and Usher on the list.
His 2013 inauguration wasn’t different. It included Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Brad Paisley, John Legend, Usher, Common, and T-Pain. Alicia Keys performed just before Barack Obama’s arrival at the Commander-In-Chief ball. Beyonce sang the national anthem to bring the swearing-in ceremony to a close at the Capitol.
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