Dinner is Served

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a State Dinner

Frank Sinatra singing on stage (© Jim Palmer/AP)

Singer Frank Sinatra belts out a song as he entertains dinner guests at the White House. (© Jim Palmer/AP)

Singer Frank Sinatra belts out a song as he entertains dinner guests at the White House. (© Jim Palmer/AP)

Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra shaking hands with Ronald Reagan, Nancy Reagan clapping hands (© Scott Stewart/AP)

President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan greet Frank Sinatra following his performance at the June 18, 1984, state dinner honoring Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayewardene. (© Scott Stewart/AP)

President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan greet Frank Sinatra following his performance at the June 18, 1984, state dinner honoring Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayewardene. (© Scott Stewart/AP)

You can’t go wrong with Ol’ Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra. The Italian American jazz crooner behind “My Way” and other classics performed at two Reagan state dinners. In 1982, Sinatra sang with fellow Italian American Perry Como for Italian President Alessandro Pertini. Sinatra came back later to sing for Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayewardene.

Frank Sinatra performs "Fly Me to the Moon" at the White House on June 18, 1984. (White House Communications Agency/NARA)

Frank Sinatra performs "Fly Me to the Moon" at the White House on June 18, 1984. (White House Communications Agency/NARA)

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