President-elect Donald Trump has chosen opera tenor Christopher Macchio to sing the national anthem at the inauguration ceremony set for Monday. Alongside Macchio, Carrie Underwood is also scheduled to deliver a rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Below is a compilation of some notable performers who have graced previous presidential inaugurations:
In 1961, Marian Anderson, a renowned contralto, performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy. Moving on to 1965, the national anthem was rendered by the United States Marine Band during Lyndon B. Johnson’s swearing-in ceremony.
At Richard Nixon’s inauguration in 1969, both the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the United States Marine Band collaborated to perform the national anthem. Nixon’s second inauguration in 1973 featured jazz vocalist Ethel Ennis taking center stage with the national anthem.
During Jimmy Carter’s 1977 ceremony, Holocaust survivor and cantor Isaac Goodfriend sang the national anthem, accompanied by the U.S. Marine Band, highlighting a significant historical moment. In 1981, Ronald Reagan’s inauguration saw amateur singer Juanita Booker perform the national anthem, followed by a Marine Band rendition in 1985 along with opera singer Jessye Norman.
George H.W. Bush’s inauguration in 1989 featured U.S. Army Band Staff Sergeant Alvy Powell singing the national anthem. Bill Clinton’s first inauguration in 1993 included opera star Marilyn Horne lending her voice to the anthem, and in 1997, Santita Jackson, daughter of Rev. Jesse Jackson, along with the Resurrection Choir, performed the anthem with Jessye Norman also taking part.
In 2001, Army Staff Sgt. Alec T. Maly was the featured singer for George W. Bush’s inauguration, followed by a performance from Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bradley Bennett in 2005, alongside renowned singers Susan Graham and Denyce Graves.
Barack Obama’s first inauguration in 2009 included the United States Navy Band Sea Chanters performing the national anthem, with a special appearance by the legendary Aretha Franklin. In 2013, Beyoncé electrified the crowd with her rendition of the anthem, later admitting she used a pre-recorded track, while James Taylor also delivered a performance.
At Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2017, the national anthem was sung by Jackie Evancho, and Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021 featured Lady Gaga’s powerful rendition of the anthem, along with performances from Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks, rounding out a star-studded event.
