64 Years Today (19 Jan 1961), Americans Celebrated President JFK with Stellar Pre-Inaugural Gala in Washington, DC

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Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack was a political tour-de-force which helped JFK win the White House in 1960. They organized the pre-inaugural gala/fundraiser. Frank Sinatra and Peter Lawford convinced several Broadway producers to shut down for one night so actors such as Anthony Quinn, Ethel Merman, and Laurence Olivier could attend.



The National Guard Armory in DC hosted two inaugural events: the Pre-Inaugural Gala (19 Jan 1961) and the Post-Inaugural Ball (20 Jan 1961).




President-elect John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy arrive at the pre-inaugural ball.



Frank Sinatra escorts Jacqueline Kennedy up the stairs during the pre-inaugural gala at the National Guard Armory in Washington, DC on 19 Jan 1961 (Photo: GAB Archive / Redferns)





The Chairman of the Board lighting up the incoming Commander-in-Chief.



Gene Kelly performing at the JFK gala, 19 Jan 1961.




Fellow Rat Packer Peter Lawford was the tightest with Frank Sinatra at that moment in history.




Regrettably, Rat Packer Sammy Davis Jr was excluded from the 19 Jan gala because of his recent mixed-race marriage to May Britt and Southern Democrats needed to be appeased. Crushed, Sammy Davis Jr would switch his support to the GOP and in 1972 he became the first man of color to stay overnight at the White House (in the Lincoln Bedroom).



Tickets sold for $100 each and 72 ringside boxes for small groups were sold at $10,000 apiece.