Five most memorable presidential inauguration performances

In the days leading up to president-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, there seems to be more talk of artists refusing to perform rather than accepting what has traditionally been an honour.

Country singer Toby Keith is scheduled to perform atan event Thursday.Actor Jon Voigt, the band 3 Doors Down and formerAmerica's Got Talentcontestant Jackie Evancho are also part of the festivities.Paul Anka and Broadway actress Jennifer Hollidaypulled out.

While the 2017 inauguration might not be as star-studded as some have been in the past, here's a look at five memorable presidential swearing-ins.

Beyonc(2009 and 2013)

That dance to Etta James' classicAt Last takes the cake for most romantic inauguration, not to mention one of themost memorable. Beyonc made the classic her own as President Barack Obama and wife Michelle slow-jammed in 2009.

The superstar's inauguration performance in 2013of the American national anthem got a bit more flak after she was busted for using a backing track.

Beyonc accused of lip-syncing

12 years ago

Duration 5:10

Beyonc is facing allegations of lip-syncing her inauguration day performance, after a U.S. Marine Band spokesperson revealed that the pop star used a pre-recorded voice track, Deana Sumanac reports

Michael Jackson (1993)

Bill Clinton was known for his ability to mobilize celebrities and he proved it at his inauguration.Michael Jackson performed Gone Too Soon and Heal The World.

The concert also featured Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Elton John and Fleetwood Mac.

Beach Boys (1985)

Considering both Ronald and Nancy Reagan considered themselves fans of The Beach Boys, it seemed only fitting the group performed for Reagan's inauguration in 1985.

The harmonizing group performed an a cappella renditionof the Four Freshmen's Their Hearts Were Full of Spring.

James Brown (1969)

James Brown purportedly voted for theDemocrats during the 1968 election campaign, but he still performed at Richard Nixon's inaugural gala when the Republicantook office in 1969.

"I accepted because I want to give our new president a chance to bring the people of this nation together in every respect of our national life," he told a reporter,defending his decisionbefore the show.

Brown's Say It Loud I'm Black And I'm Proud performance was one of many that will go down in history as some of the most memorable in presidential history.

Nat 'King' Cole (1961)

During the rise of the civil rights movement, Nat King Cole performed for John F. Kennedy's inauguration in 1961.

Other performers included Harry Belafonte, Tony Curtis, Bette Davis, Ella Fitzgerald andSidney Poitier. Frank Sinatra was the emcee.

It's worth noting that like James Brown, Cole also dabbled in bipartisan performing,singing for the Republican National Convention tosupport Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956.

To see more of these performances, check out the video below.

Best presidential inauguration performances

8 years ago

Duration 3:50

With lots of speculation about who will and will not perform at Donald Trump's inauguration, CBC's Jelena Adzic looks back at some of the most memorable inauguration performances