There are traditions that not even a pandemic and the threat of an armed revolt can dent, and musical performances on the occasion of the inauguration of the President of the United States in the White House are among them. Despite the complexity dictated by the period Joe Biden, in fact, does not renounce the support of artists who decide to make their music and their voice available as a good omen for a mandate to which most voters cling with confidence and hope: together with Lady Gaga, already arrived in Capitol Hill, which will sing the traditional anthem, will also appear at the Inauguration Day scheduled for the afternoon of January 20 Jennifer Lopez, Bruce Springsteen, i Foo Fighters e John Legend. In the evening, however, the television special hosted by Tom Hanks and entitled Celebrating America will count among the guests stars of the caliber of Justin Timberlake and Demi Lovato, carrying on the banner of an all-round ceremony that over the years has seen the involvement of respectable guests.
Going over the list of artists who performed at theInauguration Day of the last four decades, we cannot fail to mention, in fact, performances that have rightfully entered history and that the public will always remember with great affection and a tad of emotion. Let’s see which ones.
Beyoncé, At Last (2009)
After singing America the Beautiful At the concert for Obama’s first inauguration in 2009 and the national anthem when he was sworn in for the second time in 2013, Beyoncé also performed before President and First Lady Michelle Obama on the notes of At Last. It happened at the inaugural ball of 2009 to the emotion of those present in the room, including actress Kerry Washington.
Barbra Streisand, God Bless America (1993)
The rich and poignant performance is one of the most powerful ever to be broadcast on TV. When the high pitch hits the song’s final verse, the camera lingers on Bill Clinton, visibly thrilled by the spectacle consumed before his eyes.
Aretha Franklin, My Country,’Tis of Thee (2009)
Franklin performed at the inauguration of 3 presidents: Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. The last performance dates back to the beginning of Obama’s first term: on that occasion Aretha, who passed away in 2018, sang a splendid version with a huge black bow on her head. My Country, Tis of Thee.
Ricky Martin, Cup of Life (2001)
Bursting energy at George W. Bush’s first Inauguration Day, when Ricky Martin sings Cup of Life while he shakes his hips and bewitches the crowd with “Ale, ale, ale!”.
Bob Dylan, Chimes of Freedom (1993)
Memorable the version of the Nobel Prize in 1993, when he performed for the inauguration of Clinton with the song Chimes of Freedom. Famous is the frame of the president who, smiling, offers the thumbs up to the camera.
Bruce Springsteen e Pete Seeger, This Land is Your Land (2009)
After four years of division, there is something deeply moving about watching this joyous performance from Barack Obama’s first inauguration. Standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial, flanked by gospel singers in blue and red, Springsteen and Seeger, who died in 2014, lead the huge crowd in a simple yet heartwarming version of “This Land is Your Land”. It reminds us of the values of freedom and equality that make this country so great and never fails to bring tears to our eyes.
Fleetwood Mac, Don’t Stop (1993)
A truly delightful performance by Fleetwood Mac in 1993, with first lady Hillary Clinton and then teenage daughter Chelsea joining in the fun clapping and swinging on stage alongside the gospel choir.
Kelly Clarkson, ‘My Country, Tis of Thee (2013)
Visibly excited, Clarkson offers a touching version of My Country, Tis of Thee, also appreciated by then Vice President Joe Biden.
Ray Charles, America the Beautiful (1985)
During Ronald Reagan’s second inaugural gala, Charles offers his soulful version of America the Beautiful. Rivers of tears for the audience who, in the final verse, sings with him forming a single voice.
Jackie Evancho, The Star-Spangled Banner (2017)
The former star of America’s Got Talent gives a breathtaking version of the national anthem during Donald Trump’s inauguration celebration. Later the singer said she was out of time but, looking at the video, it would not seem like it.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
