All The President's Musicians
Last week saw the Inauguration of President Barack Obama, America's first black President. As the President stated in his inaugural speech '… why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.' So, it was with great emotion that millions of people watched this historical inauguration.
Now, in the tradition of the inauguration and the balls that accompany it actors and musicians turn out to show their support of the new President. This can turn into quite a star studded affair that would put the Grammies to shame. For the concerts in honour of the new President some of the acts that performed included, Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, Aretha Franklin , Jon bon Jovi, Mary .J .Blige, Sheryl Crow, Usher, Stevie Wonder, Rihanna, Elvis Costello and U2. Jay-Z and Arcade Fire even performed a private concert for Obama’s staff in Washington.
Bill Clinton's inaugurations in 1993 and 1997 were preceded by two days of free concerts on the Mall. Acts like Hootie and the Blowfish and Sheryl Crow performed. In 1997, the Presidential Gala was held at the USAir Arena, with performances from Stevie Wonder, Kenny Rogers, Yo-Yo Ma and the Broadway casts of Chicago and Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Funk. MTV also held a Rock ’n’ Roll Inaugural Ball for Bill Clinton featuring the Eagles, Don Henley and U2, among other performers. Fleetwood Mac even reunited for Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration. As a keen musician himself, Bill Clinton paired up with Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band during an inaugural ball during his 1993 election.
George W. Bush's 2001 Inauguration had more traditional performers, such as the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and the Guy Lombardo Orchestra. Many country stars played, including Clint Black, Lyle Lovett and Nell Carter. Ricky Martin also performed yet later regreted it, sometime later whilst singing the presidents name in a concert he stuck up his middle finger.
The late Frank Sinatra had a zealous interest in politics; he was a keen supporter of President John F. Kennedy and also sang at the inaugural ball marking President Reagan's second term in office in 1985. Jimmy Carter’s inaugural ball in 1977 saw Cher and John Lennon in attendance.
JFK's inaugural ball was another star studded event with Hollywood stars including, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Conductor – Leonard Bernstein, Ethel Merman, Gene Kelly, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh.
So, there you go a sure-fire way to have all your favourite artists perform for you and be your new best friend, just become the President!
As always there are many exciting news stories, reviews and videos on the site. Also, to beat those January blues we have gigs a go-go. There’s, Let’s Tea Party, Arlo Guthrie, Vagabond, John Cooper Clarke, The Glitterati and New Rhodes album launch party.