When staging the Olympic Games, it's crucial for the host country to showcase its unique culture and flair. The last time the United States hosted the Summer Olympics was in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1996, producing a cavalcade of stars and a spectacle to match. From the opening ceremonies to the Parade of Nations, the event was filled with memorable moments, including the historic performance of the women's gymnastics team, and it had a soundtrack to match.
Opening Ceremonies
The renowned John Williams set the tone for the games with his soaring composition, "Summon the Heroes," conducted by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. This was the third of four pieces Williams composed for the Olympic Games, with others in 1984, 1988, and 2002. "Summon the Heroes" remains a staple during NBC’s Olympic coverage.
1996 was also a big year for Celine Dion. With her album "Falling into You" and the No. 1 single "Because You Loved Me," she had solidified her status as the queen of the power ballad. Her rendition of "The Power of the Dream" was a highlight of the Opening Ceremonies, marking the centennial of the modern Olympics.
But it didn’t stop there. Gladys Knight, an Atlanta native, emerged from center stage and performed the Ray Charles classic “Georgia on My Mind” in a truly magical moment.
The Games
Dubbed The Magnificent Seven, the United States women's gymnastics team made history by capturing their first gold medal in the team all-around. One of the most unforgettable moments was when 14-year-old Dominique Moceanu brought the house down with her floor exercise routine to "The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”
Beyond the stadiums and arenas, the streets of Atlanta were alive with the sounds of classic 90s hits from the Billboard Top 100, providing a vibrant soundtrack for the over 2 million people that visited Atlanta during the games. The “Macarena” was in full force and Alanis Morrisette asked us, "Isn't it Ironic?” Mariah Carey dazzled us with her high notes in “Always Be My Baby” and Keith Sweat had us “Twisted.” Check out our Spotify 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games: Songs of the Summer playlist:
Closing Ceremonies
As the games came to a close, organizers didn’t let up with the fun with Little Richard, BB King, and Gloria Estefan delivering memorable performances and the perfect way for viewers to reflect on the accomplishments and inspiring moments that make the Olympic Games so special.
