A Capitol Fourth

We wish a very happy 100th birthday to Mae Krier! In 1943, Mae answered the call to serve by joining the workforce at Boeing, building machinery and supporting the war effort on the home front as a Rosie the Riveter. After the war, Mae led the effort to bring recognition to the contributions and efforts of women on the home front and, on April 10, 2024, Rosie the Riveters received their long-overdue recognition, the nation’s highest civilian honor - the Congressional Gold Medal. Today, on Rosie the Riveter Day, we celebrate Mae and the millions of women of World War II who stepped into factories, strengthened the nation, and helped reshape the future—leaving a legacy that continues to inspire today. #July4thPBS #ACapitolFourth #RosieTheRiveterDay

The rain couldn’t stop the pure joy of The Pointer Sisters performing “I’m So Excited” at the 2001 concert! #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS #ThePointerSisters

One of the most celebrated performers in American theater, six-time Tony Award winner, Audra McDonald performs "June Is Bustin' Out All Over" on A Capitol Fourth 2000! #July4thPBS #ACapitolFourth #AudraMcDonald

In 1999, Kenny G performed "Summertime" on A Capitol Fourth. Smooth, familiar, and the perfect way to set the mood for a summer night. #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS #KennyG

A lasting anthem for independence, Lesley Gore shares this captivating performance of "You Don't Own Me" during the 1998 A Capitol Fourth concert. #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS #LesleyGore

Grab a partner and sway to this timeless ballad, performed by the legendary Kenny Rogers, from the 1997 A Capitol Fourth! #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS #KennyRogers

When Robert Goulet sings "The Impossible Dream", it’s bold, hopeful, and unmistakably classic. Enjoy this performance from the 1996 concert. #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS #RobertGoulet

You know the words. When Leslie Uggams sings "Can You Feel the Love Tonight", the whole crowd joins in! Enjoy this performance from the 1995 concert. #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS #LeslieUggams

Five-time Grammy winner Faith Hill takes on "A Piece of My Heart" in 1994 at A Capitol Fourth, honoring the song's iconic roots with a country spin. #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS #FaithHill

In 1993, from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash trade lines on “Jackson” at A Capitol Fourth, lighting up the night with their timeless country spark. #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS #JohnnyCash #JuneCarter

Commanding and unflinching, Patti LuPone delivers a powerful performance of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from the musical Evita at the 1992 A Capitol Fourth. #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS #PattiLuPone

Legendary entertainer Cab Calloway energized the 1991 concert with his medley performance of “Caldonia” and "When the Saints Go Marching In”, bringing his dynamic stage presence to the A Capitol Fourth stage. #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS #CabCalloway

Maureen McGovern lit up the 1990 A Capitol Fourth with her lively take on "I Got Rhythm”! #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS #MaureenMcGovern

Smooth. Playful. Unexpected. When James Galway takes the flute to The Pink Panther Theme, Henry Mancini’s iconic melody gets a fresh edge. Enjoy this iconic melody from the 1989 A Capitol Fourth! #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS #PinkPanther

Tony Bennett joined the cast of A Capitol Fourth in 1988, singing his signature, timeless hit "I Left My Heart in San Fransisco". The song was originally recorded in 1962 and became an official anthem of the city in 1969. #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS #TonyBennett

In 1987, world-renowned composer Marvin Hamlisch performed “They’re Playing Our Song” from the semi-autobiographical Broadway musical of the same name, bringing his artistry and lively spirit to the A Capitol Fourth stage. #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS

Jazz legend Sarah Vaughan took the stage in 1986, performing “Strike Up the Band”, showcasing her extraordinary vocal range and artistry! #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS

From the A Capitol Fourth 1985 concert, enjoy Leonard Bernstein conducting a masterful performance of “Somewhere” from West Side Story, bringing the timeless melody and emotion of this beloved composition to life. #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS #45thAnniversary

At the 1984 A Capitol Fourth concert, audiences were captivated by Robert Merrill, the renowned performer and celebrated operatic baritone, as he delivered a stirring rendition of “God Bless America.” #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS

1981 marked the very first televised A Capitol Fourth concert, featuring legendary performer Pearl Bailey. Though the broadcast was new, the music and patriotic spirit were already unmistakable, setting the tone for decades to come. Follow us as we share memories and performances that have spanned 45 years of A Capitol Fourth, as we countdown to America's semiquincentennial! #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS #45thCountdown