Gospel, Poetry Set for Clinton Inauguration
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WASHINGTON — President Clinton will have clap-along gospel music and the poetry of a home-state friend at his swearing-in next month, a spokesman said Thursday.
The program for the Jan. 20 ceremony, headlined by Arkansas poet Miller Williams, opera diva Jessye Norman and three gospel choirs, was designed as a dual celebration of Clinton’s governance and the legacy of civil rights leader the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
“The president is very mindful that the inauguration coincides with Martin Luther King Day, and the ceremony will certainly reflect that,” spokesman Barry Toiv said.
Singer Santita Jackson, daughter of King devotee and activist Jesse Jackson, will also perform, and evangelist Billy Graham will deliver the invocation, marking his eighth inauguration in four decades, including Clinton’s 1993 ceremony.
As is customary, U.S. Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist will administer the oath of office. Vice President Al Gore will be sworn in by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
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