JFK: The Lost Inaugural Gala

In celebration of John F. Kennedy’s 100th birthday on May 29th, this program opens a window to the glamour and excitement that descended on the nation’s capital for his 1961 inauguration, with a never before seen musical event— the Pre-Inaugural Gala, produced by and starring Frank Sinatra. It was a star-studded musical celebration, scheduled to be broadcast on television the following week. On the day of the gala, January 19, 1961, Washington DC was hit with a colossal blizzard, and most of the performers were stuck in the Armory.

Enjoy performances from Frank Sinatra, Ethel Merman, Harry Belafonte, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Gene Kelly and more in this presidential gala event taped in 1961.