What did Bill Clinton say in his first inauguration speech?
President Bill Clinton's first inauguration speech: Full text. Clinton was sworn into office by Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, on a King James Bible that once belonged to his grandmother and was held by wife Hillary Clinton. He then launched into an inaugural address that focused on "American renewal.".
What poem did Maya Angelou read at Bill Clinton's inauguration?
Maya Angelou read an original poem "On the Pulse of Morning," becoming the first poet to address an inauguration since Robert Frost spoke at John F. Kennedy's in 1961. Clinton was sworn into office by Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, on a King James Bible that once belonged to his grandmother and was held by wife Hillary Clinton.
What celebrities performed at Bill Clinton's inauguration?
On January 19, 1993, a cast including Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Elton John, the Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe, comedians Chevy Chase and Bill Cosby, and actors Jack Lemmon and James Earl Jones performed at the 42nd Presidential Inaugural Gala at The Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland in honor of Clinton.
Who wrote the national anthem at the first inauguration?
The National Anthem was sung by Santita Jackson, daughter of renowned civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, and then Arkansas poet Miller Williams read "Of History and Hope", a poem he wrote for the occasion. President Clinton's inaugural speech followed.
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What poem did Maya Angelou recite at the inauguration?
On the Pulse of MorningIn 1993, Angelou received an invitation to recite what became “On the Pulse of Morning” at the Clinton inaugural ceremony (“A Rock, A River, A Tree” were among its symbols).
Who was the first president to have a poet speak at his inauguration?
An inaugural poet is a poet who reads a poem as part of the presidential inauguration ceremonies. The first one was Robert Frost at the inauguration for President John F. Kennedy in 1961, and the most recent was today's performance by Amanda Gorman for President Joe Biden.
Who performed at Clinton's second inauguration?
Jessye Norman, the famed Georgian opera singer, then serenaded the crowd with a medley of patriotic songs. Following the performance, surrounded by members of Congress dignitaries, Justices of the Supreme Court, family, and friends, Bill Clinton stood next to his daughter while his wife held the Bible.
Did Aretha Franklin sing at Bill Clinton's inauguration?
Her rendition of the all-American “God Bless America” was a highlight. Fast-forward to 1993, when a superfan ascended to the White House. Franklin was among the heavy-hitting lineup of stars who performed at the pre-inaugural events for President Bill Clinton in 1993.
How many poets have spoken at a presidential inauguration?
Six poetsSix poets have read or recited poems at U.S. presidential inaugurations: Robert Frost recited "The Gift Outright" at John F. Kennedy's 1961 inaugural.
Did Maya Angelou speak at Bill Clinton's inauguration?
When Bill Clinton decided to have a poet read at his inauguration, he immediately knew it should be Maya Angelou.
Who performed at the White House in 1997?
Gladys Knight performs at the White House (1997)
Which president was inaugurated in 1997?
[President Bill Clinton embracing his daughter, Chelsea, and kissing his wife, Hillary, after inaugural ceremonies on west front of the U.S. Capitol, January 20, 1997].
Who is the vice president of Clinton?
Al GoreBill Clinton / Vice president (1993–2001)Albert Arnold Gore Jr. is an American politician, businessman, and environmentalist who served as the 45th vice president of the United States from 1993 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton. Wikipedia
Who sang for Obama's inauguration?
One of the most iconic moments in recent Inauguration history comes from Detroit's own -- Aretha Franklin. In 2009, the the first Inauguration of President Barack Obama, the “Queen of Soul” stole the show with her jaw-dropping performance of “My country 'tis of thee.” And don't forget her legendary hat.
Did Aretha Franklin sing at Jimmy Carter's inauguration?
Aretha Franklin performed at President Jimmy Carter's inauguration. Michael Jackson took the stage at Bill Clinton's gala. Ricky Martin headlined festivities for George W. Bush.
What year did Aretha Franklin sing at the White House?
Aretha Franklin sings at President Barack Obama's 2009 Inauguration (C-SPAN) Aretha Franklin sings My Country, 'Tis of Thee at President Barack Obama's 2009 Inauguration.
Which presidents had inaugural poems?
Only four presidents—John F. Kennedy in 1961, Bill Clinton in 1993 and 1997, Barack Obama in 2009 and 2013, and Joe Biden in 2021—have had poets read at their inaugurations. These presidents were known for their appreciation of reading and literature.
Who was the poet at Obama's first inauguration?
poet Elizabeth Alexander"Praise Song for the Day" is an occasional poem written by the American poet Elizabeth Alexander and delivered at the 2009 presidential inauguration of President Barack Obama.
Who sang at Obama's first inauguration?
From left to right: Itzhak Perlman, Gabriela Montero, Yo-Yo Ma and Anthony McGill performing John Williams' "Air and Simple Gifts" at the inauguration. Obama officially became the 44th president at noon during this performance.
Who gave poem at inauguration?
Gorman was twenty-two years old when she recited the poem, making her the youngest inaugural poet ever....The Hill We ClimbWrittenDecember 30, 2020 – January 6, 2021CountryUnited StatesLanguageEnglish2 more rows
Who were the performers at the Clinton/Gore Inaugural?
Hundreds of thousands of people attended the free concert, which featured entertainers Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Michael Bolton, Tony Bennett, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, and rapper LL Cool J.
How many words did Bill Clinton give in his inaugural address?
Clinton, the first Democratic president in 12 years (since Jimmy Carter ), then delivered his inaugural address. In the 1,598-word speech, Clinton informed the nation of his intentions as a leader. Clinton portrayed change as a positive factor, not something to be feared.
What did the Clintons do after the luncheon?
After the luncheon, Clinton and his wife made their way down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House, followed by a procession of ceremonial military regiments, citizens' groups, marching bands, and floats. The Clintons traveled in a limousine down Pennsylvania Avenue to the cheers of a large crowd lining the street. The Clintons got out of the limousine to walk the final few blocks to the White House, followed by the Gores a few minutes later.
How many people attended the Clinton inauguration?
The Clinton Inauguration drew what was, at the time, the second largest crowd ever at an inauguration, an estimated 800,000. The Johnson Inauguration had drawn an estimated 1.2 million and Obama's later drew 1.9 million in 2008 and 1 million in 2012, placing it in the 4th largest spot as of 2017. The large crowd resulted in a single-day Metro record of 811,257 trips, a record that would last 11 years and 4 months - the longest lasting record in Metrorail history - until it was broken by the Reagan Funeral Procession.
How old was Bill Clinton when he was sworn in?
This was the 52nd inauguration and marked the commencement of the first term of Bill Clinton as President and Al Gore as Vice President. At 46 years, 154 days of age at the time of his first inauguration, Clinton was the third-youngest person to become president, and the first from the Baby Boomer generation.
What channel is the Clintons' inaugural?
Billed as two separate one-hour specials, the Inaugural Celebration for Children and the Inaugural Celebration for Youth were both aired live on Disney Channel.
What was Maya Angelou's poem about the inauguration?
Poetry. After Clinton's inaugural address, Maya Angelou recited her poem " On the Pulse of Morning ". The poem, which Angelou wrote specifically for the inauguration, shared common themes to Clinton's inaugural address, including change, responsibility, and the President's and the citizenry's role in establishing economic security.
Who was the first Democrat to serve as president in more than a decade?
January 19, 2017, 5:00 AM. Bill Clinton became the first Democrat to serve as president in more than a decade when he took the oath of office on January 20, 1993. Maya Angelou read an original poem "On the Pulse of Morning," becoming the first poet to address an inauguration since Robert Frost spoke at John F. Kennedy's in 1961.
Who was the 42nd president of the United States?
President Clinton speaks outside the U.S. Capitol following his inauguration as the 42nd President of the United States.
When was Bill Clinton inauguration?
The second inauguration of Bill Clinton as President of the United States was held on Monday, January 20 , 1997 , at the West Front of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. This was the 53rd inauguration and marked the commencement of the second and final term of Bill Clinton as President and Al Gore as Vice President.
Who administered the oath of office to Bill Clinton?
The oath to office was administered by Chief Justice William Rehnquist at 12:05 pm.
What day was Martin Luther King Jr.'s inauguration?
The inauguration was celebrated that night by 14 different official galas held in honor of the President and First Lady. January 20, 1997 was also Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The President's speech addressed King and his legacy as a champion of African-American rights and freedoms during the civil rights era.
Who sang the national anthem?
The National Anthem was sung by Santita Jackson, daughter of renowned civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, and then Arkansas poet Miller Williams read "Of History and Hope", a poem he wrote for the occasion. President Clinton's inaugural speech followed.
Who was the first African American to read at the inauguration?
She was the first poet to read at an inauguration since Robert Frost read for JFK’s 1961 ceremony, and both the first African-American and woman to read. Get push notifications with news, features and ...
Who wrote the poem "On the Pulse of Morning"?
Angelou wrote the poem, “On the Pulse of Morning,” the same way she wrote everything else: She rented a hotel room, shut herself in from early morning to afternoon, and wrote on legal pads. Writing in Maya Angelou: A Critical Companion, Mary Jane Lupton said that “Angelou’s ultimate greatness will be attributed” to “On the Pulse of Morning.”.
Who sang at the Clinton inauguration?
Chuck Berry and Little Richard also performed at the gala, as did Barbara Streisand. And Michael Jackson sang his song, "Gone Too Soon," as a call to action against the AIDS crisis.
Who is the only artist to perform at the inauguration?
Trump only has one solo artist lined up for inauguration day so far, former America's Got Talent contestant Jackie Evancho. Many of the artists invited have reportedly declined to perform, and those who have signed on have faced public backlash for their decision to participate in the president's celebration. Drawing celebrity performers to the inauguration was never a problem for the last few decades of presidents, and there is perhaps no better example than the performers enlisted by Clinton to entertain the crowds at his 1993 and 1997 inaugurations.
What song did Bob Dylan play at the Lincoln Memorial?
Bob Dylan performed an acoustic version of "Chimes of Freedom" at the Lincoln Memorial during the inaugural concert. And, as an homage to Clinton's own musical abilities, a group of the nation's best saxophone players, including '90s smooth jazz king Kenny G, jammed on the steps of the monument.
Overview
Inauguration events
The inaugural ceremonies and luncheon for Clinton's inauguration were planned and executed by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, as all inaugurations since 1901 have been. Senator Wendell H. Ford chaired the committee for Clinton's first inauguration. It is estimated that the committee spent $33 million on the inauguration.
Pre-inaugural events
America's Reunion on the Mall was a two-day multi-stage festival as part of the 1993 Presidential Inaugural Celebration, held from January 17–19. One million people attended the event on the National Mall between Capitol Hill and the Washington Monument. With tents stretching from the Capitol to the Washington Monument, it was reported to be the largest festival ever held on the Mall. The two-hour outdoor concert that started the festival kicked off the Clinton/Gore Inaugura…
Post-ceremony traditions
Following the inaugural ceremony on the west front of the U.S. Capitol, President Clinton, First Lady Hillary Clinton, Vice President Al Gore and Tipper Gore escorted former President George H. W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush to a departure ceremony on the east side of the U.S. Capitol. George H. W. Bush and his wife Barbara then departed on a plane to return to Houston, Texas.
Members of the inauguration committee
• Sen. Wendell H. Ford (D-KY), Chairman
• Sen. George J. Mitchell (D-ME)
• Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK)
• Rep. Tom Foley (D-WA)
See also
• Presidential transition of Bill Clinton
• Second inauguration of Bill Clinton
• Timeline of the Bill Clinton presidency (1993)
• 1992 United States presidential election
External links
• Video of Clinton's First Inaugural Address from C-SPAN (via YouTube with audio)
• New York Times coverage of the 1993 inauguration
• Text of Clinton's First Inaugural Address
• Audio of Clinton's First Inaugural Address