The Voices of History: Singers Who Shaped Presidential Inaugurations
Presidential inaugurations have long been moments of pageantry, politics, and powerful performances. Across the decades, iconic artists have lent their voices to these ceremonies, turning national anthems and patriotic songs into memorable milestones. From Beyoncé’s electrifying Star-Spangled Banner to Lady Gaga’s golden dove-emblazoned rendition, here’s a look at the musical legends who’ve set the tone at inaugurations past.
Trump’s Anthem: From Opera to Country (2025)
President Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in 2025 brought an eclectic lineup. Opera tenor Christopher Macchio performed the national anthem, while Carrie Underwood delivered a heartfelt America the Beautiful. The event also saw performances by Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, and Liberty University’s Praise Choir. Notable appearances at associated celebrations included Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, and the Village People, who revived their anthem Y.M.C.A..
Lady Gaga and Unity (2021)
At Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration, Lady Gaga’s soaring rendition of the national anthem symbolized hope and renewal. The ceremony also featured Jennifer Lopez, blending This Land Is Your Land with America the Beautiful, and Garth Brooks, who performed an emotional Amazing Grace. The Celebrating America special brought together a stellar lineup, including Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, Katy Perry, and the Foo Fighters.
Beyoncé’s Historic Note (2013)
Beyoncé headlined Barack Obama’s second inauguration with a pristine performance of the national anthem, though controversy later arose when she admitted to lip-syncing. Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor added to the patriotic energy, while Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson serenaded guests at inaugural balls.
Voices of Change (2009)
For Obama’s 2009 inauguration, Aretha Franklin brought her signature soul to My Country, ’Tis of Thee. Classical icons Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman collaborated with Anthony McGill and Gabriela Montero on Air and Simple Gifts. Later, Beyoncé performed At Last at the inaugural ball, setting a romantic tone for the evening.
Country Meets Pop for Bush (2001, 2005)
George W. Bush’s inaugurations leaned into diverse genres. In 2001, Latin pop sensation Ricky Martin and pop powerhouse Destiny’s Child led celebrations. By 2005, Kenny Chesney, Wynonna Judd, and Hilary Duff took center stage, blending pop and country influences.
Clinton’s Musical Melange (1993, 1997)
Bill Clinton’s inaugurations were vibrant affairs. In 1993, opera singer Marilyn Horne delivered the national anthem, while Fleetwood Mac reunited to perform Don’t Stop. The 1997 gala saw Trisha Yearwood and Stevie Wonder add to the festivities.
A Starry Kennedy Gala (1961)
John F. Kennedy’s inauguration featured a who’s who of mid-century stars. Frank Sinatra not only performed but also organized the gala, bringing Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Marian Anderson to the stage. Anderson, who had broken barriers at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, sang The Star-Spangled Banner with historic resonance.
Icons of the Eisenhower Era (1953, 1957)
Ethel Merman’s bold voice became a staple of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s inaugurations, where she performed patriotic classics. The 1957 gala also featured Marian Anderson and Perry Como, whose smooth tones offered a contrast to Merman’s theatricality.
Marian Anderson’s Legacy
Anderson, a trailblazing contralto, left an indelible mark on inaugurations. Beyond Kennedy and Eisenhower’s ceremonies, her 1949 performance at Harry S. Truman’s inauguration highlighted her extraordinary artistry and cultural significance.
Other Memorable Moments
From Ray Charles’ soulful notes during Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration to the Beach Boys’ rock rhythms under George H.W. Bush, inaugural music has always reflected the times. Whether it’s opera, gospel, country, or pop, these performances transcend politics, creating shared moments of joy and inspiration.
Inaugural performances remain a fascinating blend of tradition, artistry, and the evolving soundscape of America. Whether it’s Beyoncé or Barbra Streisand, these voices echo through history, reminding us of the power of music to unite and inspire.
Fill List of Presidential Inaugurations
Donald Trump (2025)
- Carrie Underwood – Performed “America the Beautiful.”
- Christopher Macchio – Opera tenor who sang the national anthem.
- Lee Greenwood – Performed “God Bless the U.S.A.”
- Kid Rock – Performed at the Make America Great Again Victory Rally.
- Village People – Known for “Y.M.C.A.,” performed at the Make America Great Again Victory Rally.
- Billy Ray Cyrus – Performed at the Make America Great Again Victory Rally.
- Liberty University’s Praise Choir – Participated in the Make America Great Again Victory Rally.
- Jason Aldean – Performed at the Liberty Ball.
- Rascal Flatts – Performed at the Commander-in-Chief Ball.
- Parker McCollum – Performed at the Commander-in-Chief Ball.
- Gavin DeGraw – Performed at the Starlight Ball.
Joe Biden (2021)
- Lady Gaga – Sang the national anthem.
- Jennifer Lopez – Performed a medley including “This Land Is Your Land” and “America the Beautiful.”
- Garth Brooks – Sang “Amazing Grace.”
- Bruce Springsteen – Performed “Land of Hope and Dreams” during the “Celebrating America” event.
- Jon Bon Jovi – Performed “Here Comes the Sun” during the “Celebrating America” event.
- John Legend – Sang “Feeling Good” during the “Celebrating America” event.
- Katy Perry – Performed “Firework” during the “Celebrating America” event.
- Demi Lovato – Sang “Lovely Day” during the “Celebrating America” event.
- Foo Fighters – Performed “Times Like These” during the “Celebrating America” event.
- Ant Clemons and Justin Timberlake – Performed “Better Days” during the “Celebrating America” event.
- Black Pumas – Sang “Colors” during the “Celebrating America” event.
- Tyler Hubbard and Tim McGraw – Performed “Undivided” during the “Celebrating America” event.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda – Recited “The Cure at Troy” during the “Celebrating America” event.
Donald Trump (2017)
- 3 Doors Down – Rock band performance.
- Toby Keith – Country music performance.
- Jackie Evancho – Sang the national anthem.
- The Rockettes – Dance performance.
- Lee Greenwood – Performed “God Bless the U.S.A.”
- The Piano Guys – Musical performance.
- Sam Moore – Soul singer performance.
- Travis Greene – Gospel singer performance.
- Chrisette Michele – R&B singer performance.
Barack Obama (2013)
- Beyoncé – Sang the national anthem.
- Kelly Clarkson – Performed “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.”
- James Taylor – Sang “America the Beautiful.”
- Alicia Keys – Performed at the Commander-in-Chief Ball.
- Jennifer Hudson – Sang at the Commander-in-Chief Ball.
- Brad Paisley – Performed at the Inaugural Ball.
Barack Obama (2009)
- Aretha Franklin – Sang “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.”
- Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Gabriela Montero, and Anthony McGill – Performed “Air and Simple Gifts.”
- Beyoncé – Sang “At Last” during the first dance at the Inaugural Ball.
- Bruce Springsteen, U2, Shakira, Stevie Wonder, and others – Performed at the “We Are One” concert at the Lincoln Memorial.
George W. Bush (2005)
- Kenny Chesney – Country music performance.
- Wynonna Judd – Country music performance.
- Gloria Estefan – Latin pop performance.
- Hilary Duff – Pop music performance.
- JoJo – Pop music performance.
George W. Bush (2001)
- Ricky Martin – Latin pop performance.
- Jessica Simpson – Pop music performance.
- Destiny’s Child – Performed at the “Celebrating America’s Youth” concert.
- Brooks & Dunn – Country music performance.
Bill Clinton (1997)
- Santita Jackson and the Resurrection Choir – Sang the national anthem.
- Stevie Wonder – Performed at the Inaugural Gala.
- Trisha Yearwood – Country music performance.
- Kenny Rogers – Country music performance.
Bill Clinton (1993)
- Marilyn Horne – Opera singer who sang the national anthem.
- Fleetwood Mac – Reunited to perform “Don’t Stop.”
- Barbra Streisand – Performed at the Inaugural Gala.
- Michael Jackson – Pop music performance.
- Bob Dylan – Folk music performance.
- Elton John – Pop music performance.
- Chuck Berry – Rock ‘n’ roll performance.
George H.W. Bush (1989)
- Staff Sergeant Alvy Powell – Sang the national anthem.
- The Beach Boys – Rock music performance.
- Duke Ellington Orchestra – Jazz performance.
- Larnelle Harris – Gospel music performance.
- The Oak Ridge Boys – Performed “Amazing Grace” during the Inaugural Gala.
Ronald Reagan (1985)
- Frank Sinatra – Headlined the gala concert.
- Ethel Merman – Performed a medley of patriotic songs.
- Ray Charles – Performed during the Inaugural Gala.
- Duke Ellington Orchestra – Jazz performance.
Ronald Reagan (1981)
- The Mormon Tabernacle Choir – Performed patriotic and traditional hymns.
- Ethel Merman – Sang at the gala.
- Charlton Heston and Bob Hope – Participated as part of the performances at the Inaugural Gala.
- Gene Kelly – Performed at the gala event.
Jimmy Carter (1977)
- Linda Ronstadt – Country rock performance.
- Willie Nelson – Folk and country music.
- Loretta Lynn – Country music performance.
- Charlton Heston – Participated in the gala as a host.
Gerald Ford (1974)
Ford’s inauguration followed Richard Nixon’s resignation and did not have a formal inaugural celebration with musical performances.
Richard Nixon (1973)
- The Mormon Tabernacle Choir – Performed patriotic hymns.
- Pearl Bailey – Jazz and pop standards.
- The Ray Conniff Singers – Vocal ensemble performance.
Richard Nixon (1969)
- The Mormon Tabernacle Choir – Performed patriotic songs.
- Ethel Merman – Sang medleys of American classics.
- Bob Hope – Served as a host with comedic elements in the performances.
Lyndon B. Johnson (1965)
- The Mormon Tabernacle Choir – Sang patriotic hymns and spirituals.
- Marian Anderson – Performed at the swearing-in ceremony.
- Leonard Bernstein – Conducted at the inaugural concert.
John F. Kennedy (1961)
- Frank Sinatra – Organized the gala and performed.
- Nat King Cole – Sang standards at the inaugural gala.
- Ella Fitzgerald – Jazz performance at the gala.
- Ethel Merman – Patriotic medleys at the gala.
- Harry Belafonte – Calypso music performance.
- Marian Anderson – Sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Dwight D. Eisenhower (1957)
- Marian Anderson – Sang the national anthem.
- Irving Berlin – Performed his iconic song “God Bless America.”
- Perry Como – Performed at the Inaugural Gala.
Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953)
- Ethel Merman – Patriotic performances.
- Fred Waring and His Pennsylvanians – Vocal ensemble.
- Nat King Cole – Part of the gala performances.
Harry S. Truman (1949)
- The U.S. Marine Band – Provided traditional ceremonial music.
- Pianist Eugene List – Performed classical music.
- The Andrews Sisters – Entertained during the inaugural festivities.
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