The Tabernacle Choir, sometimes known as “America’s Choir,” has a long and proud tradition of making inaugural appearances. From swearing-in ceremonies at Capitol Hill to filling up floats in inaugural parades, here’s a look at every inaugural appearance for the Tabernacle Choir.
The Tabernacle Choir made its first inaugural appearance in 1965 during the swearing-ceremony for President Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th President of the United States.
President Richard M. Nixon, 37th President of the United States, featured the Tabernacle Choir during his swearing-in of ceremony in 1969. They would again perform for President Nixon a private devotional during his second inauguration ceremonies in 1973.
Both President Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States, and his wife Nancy, were moved by the Choir’s performance at the inaugural parade in 1981.
The Tabernacle Choir performed at multiple events for the inauguration ceremonies of President George H. W. Bush in 1989. They were featured in the inaugural parade and also performed before the swearing-in ceremony began, at the inaugural gala, and another inaugural concert.
Unfortunately, no footage is available of the Choir’s performance in the 2001 inaugural parade for President George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States, but we do have a picture!
The most recent inaugural appearance was held in 2017 for the swearing-in ceremony for President Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States. The Choir performed “America the Beautiful.”