Iconic Presidential Inauguration Performances Over the Years

Washington, D.C.: Presidential inaugurations have always been a big deal, and the performances are a huge part of that. Over the years, we’ve seen some amazing acts take the stage.

From Beyoncé to Aretha Franklin, these artists have brought their A-game to celebrate new leadership. Remember when Marian Anderson sang at Eisenhower’s inauguration in 1957? That was a moment!

And who could forget Robert Frost reading his poem for JFK in 1961? It set such a thoughtful tone. Then there was James Brown shaking hands with Nixon in 1969, which was pretty iconic in its own right.

Fast forward to the 2000s, and we had stars like Ricky Martin and Destiny’s Child performing for George W. Bush. It was a real party atmosphere!

Barack Obama’s inaugurations were star-studded too, with performances from Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, and even Lady Gaga. Each event had its own vibe, reflecting the times.

Most recently, we saw Amanda Gorman reciting her poem and Jennifer Lopez singing at Biden’s inauguration. It’s clear that music and celebration are key parts of these historic moments.