There have been quite a few historic and incredible presidential inauguration performances through the years. This would be quite a long list if we included them all, but we’re particularly fond of these four legendary musical numbers and national anthem renditions. Let’s take a walk through musical US history, shall we?
Videos by American Songwriter
1. Aretha Franklin at Obama’s Inauguration (2009)
Aretha Franklin’s stunning performance of “My Country ‘Tis Of Thee” at Barack Obama’s first inauguration in 2009 is one of the most memorable moments of the turn of the decade. Franklin took to the podium in her now-iconic little grey bow hat and belted out the classic American song like it was easy.
2. Fleetwood Mac (And Michael Jackson) at Bill Clinton’s Inauguration (1993)
Historic inauguration performances come and go, but few involve getting a disintegrated famous band back together. Fleetwood Mac has always been amazing, but around 1993, several members were missing and the band was more or less in limbo.
Bill Clinton asked Mick Fleetwood and John McVie if they could get the core lineup back together to perform “Don’t Stop” at his inauguration in 1993. Fortunately, the remaining two members of the band managed to get Christine MCView on board, then Stevie Nicks, and then (surprisingly) Lindsey Buckingham.
Allegedly, Nicks threatened to never speak to Buckingham again if he didn’t oblige. The threat worked, and the famed Rumours lineup took to the stage and even sang with Michael Jackson at Clinton’s inauguration.
3. Beyonce at Obama’s Inauguration (2013)
Beyonce’s performance at Obama’s second inauguration in 2013 was on another level. The choice of song was excellent, too; Beyonce performed a lovely rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner”.
Plenty of fans of the performance noted that Beyonce sounded like a Disney princess belting her heart out during the performance. Pulling out her earpiece halfway through was pretty iconic, too.
4. Marion Anderson at Eisenhower’s Inauguration (1957)
How about a real throwback on our list of historic inauguration performances? The incomparable Marion Anderson was one of the most world-renowned opera singers of the 1950s, with a smooth and buttery contralto unlike any other. Depending on who you ask, she was also the most famous black woman in the United States when she was invited to perform at Dwight D. Eisenhower’s second inauguration in 1957.
Despite being a Democrat herself, Anderson took to the stage and delivered a jaw-dropping rendition of the national anthem at Eisenhower’s inauguration.
Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.