Inaugural Balls: A Look Back

• President Bush looks toward the balcony as his daughter Jenna flashes the University of Texas "Longhorn" hand sign as they attend the Texas State Society's Black Tie and Boots Ball, the week's first inaugural gala, Jan. 19, 2005 in Washington. Also on stage is President Bush's other daughter, Barbara.
  
  
  

  Pablo Martinez Monsivais, AP

• In a relatively well known photo that ran in Life magazine, President John F. Kennedy points to his left as he stands next to his wife, Jacqueline, who is seated in the presidential box overlooking the crowd attending his inaugural ball on Jan. 20, 1961.
  
  
  

  Paul Schutzer, Time Life Pictures / Getty Images

• Hollywood often has been represented at inaugural balls, as is testament in this photo of husband and wife actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, who attended President John F. Kennedy's inaugural ball in 1961.
  
  
  

  Alfred Eisenstaedt, Time Life Pictures / Getty Images

• From Hollywood to the presidency: President Ronald Reagan, a former actor, dances with wife Nancy at his Jan. 20, 1981 inaugural ball.
  
  
  

  Dirck Halstead, Getty Images

• Entertainer Frank Sinatra sings at the inaugural ball marking President Reagan's second term in office in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 18, 1985.
  
  
  

  AP

• GOP Chairman Lee Atwater took up an electric guitar and joined the band on a Blues Brothers-style number at President George H. W. Bush's Texas-style Black Tie and Boots Inaugural Ball on Jan. 21, 1989. Atwater was an accomplished musician as well as political strategist, and he played backup guitar briefly for Percy Sledge during the 1960s. He also frequently played the blues with such notables as B.B. King. Atwater died on March 29, 1991, of a brain tumor.
  
  
  

  Cynthia Johnson, Time Life Pictures/Getty Images

• President Bill Clinton pairs up playing saxophone with musician Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen's famed E Street Band during an inaugural celebration at the District of Columbia Armory Ball in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, 1993.
  
  
  

  Diana Walker, Time Life Pictures/Getty Images

• Entertainers Cher and husband Gregg Allman attended President Jimmy Carter's inaugural ball Jan. 20, 1977 in Washington, D.C.
  
  
  

  Tom Wargacki, WireImage

• Not often seen in a tuxedo, singer John Lennon donned one to attend President Carter's inaugural ball. Funny looking cigarette he's got there.
  
  
  

  Tom Wargacki, WireImage

• President Lyndon Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird, are the center of attention as they dance at his inaugural ball on Jan. 20, 1965.
  
  
  

  Yale Joel, Time Life Pictures/Getty Images