TLS from Frank Sinatra that was printed in the official program for the 1981 Presidential Inaugural Gala of Ronald Reagan. The letter, one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, January 19, 1981, addressed to “Mr. President-elect and Mr. Vice-President elect,” Ronald Reagan and George Bush, in full: “On the eve of your inauguration we're honored to have the privilege to entertain you and your families, our Capital Centre audience, and the American public via national television in the spirit of ‘The Beginning of a Great New Beginning.’ Let our songs and laughter ring in this beginning of a new era of hope, peace, and freedom for the citizens of our land. An era that with your leadership sees our nation regain its respect in the world and sees our nation lead rather than follow. We salute you tonight. On behalf of the Inaugural Gala cast.” In very fine condition.
Accompanied by a carbon copy of a memo containing Sinatra’s ‘Inaugural Commemoratives ‘Goodie’ Order,’ which amounted to $3,895.50, a vintage ‘Francis Albert Sinatra’ matchbook, a photo of Sinatra with Ray Caldiero, a member of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, and an official program for the “1981 Presidential Inaugural Gala,” which features the offered letter and lists Sinatra as “Producer/Director and Director of Enterianment.”
Frank Sinatra was no stranger to big presidential galas. Two decades earlier, on January 19, 1961, the Rat Pack boss organized entertainment for John F. Kennedy’s star-studded inaugural gala at the National Guard Armory—he even escorted First Lady Jackie to her seat. With the Reagan event, he aimed to outdo himself by amassing a notably Hollywood-centric supporting cast of entertainers. Held at the jam-packed Capital Centre sports arena, the ceremony was hosted by Johnny Carson and included performances from Bob Hope, Jimmy Stewart, Ben Vereen, Ethel Merman, Charlton Heston, Rich Little, and Sinatra, who sang ‘Nancy (with the Reagan Face),’ a modified version of ‘Nancy (With the Laughing Face),’ to the soon-to-be first lady, and then closed the event with a rousing rendition of ‘New York, New York.’
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