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The United States Marine Band: In Performance

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  • Gerald Ford Watches Pearl Bailey and the Marine Chamber Orchestra

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    President Gerald Ford watches Pearl Bailey as she joins the Marine Chamber Orchestra for an impromptu performance after a State Dinner for the Shah and Empress of Iran, May 15, 1975.

    Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • Notable British Visitors: Princess Diana Dancing

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    "The President's Own" provided after-dinner music for the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales, November 9, 1985. First Lady Nancy Reagan encouraged actor John Travolta to dance with Princess Diana to music from his hit movie Saturday Night Fever.

    Ronald W. Reagan Presidential Library/NARA
  • The Fords Listen to Harry James

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    President and Mrs. Gerald Ford listen to an impromptu trumpet performance by legendary bandleader Harry James, backed up by a Marine dance band, after the State Dinner for President and Mrs. Walter Scheel of the Federal Republic of Germany, June 16, 1975.

    Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum/NARA

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Many of the world's finest performing artists have shared the White House stage with the Marine Band. Great tenors and divas, maestros and virtuosos, Broadway stars and jazz greats have all become part of the social history of the White House.

"Ever since this wonderful house was built, it has been filled with music. Thomas Jefferson played his violin and Harry Truman played his piano in this [East] room.The Marine Band has serenaded countless foreign dignitaries at state dinners and some of the world's most dazzling performers have appeared beneath these chandeliers." Nancy Reagan, In Performance at the White House, August 10, 1988, PBS television program.

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