Timeline
1980
Performs at the White House for a state dinner hosted by President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan; first of many times for the 40th President
1977
Sings at the Inauguration Day prayer service for President Jimmy Carter in 18° temperature, televised from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial
1976
First appearance at the White House; performs at a State Dinner for the Prime Minister of Australia, Henry Kissinger, Shirley Temple Black, Gregory Peck, and other guests, hosted by President and Mrs. Gerald Ford
1975
Wins his third Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording (RCA’s La bohème with Montserrat Caballé, Judith Blegen, Plácido Domingo, Ruggero Raimondi, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra under Georg Solti)
1975
Writes, hosts, and sings for his film Homage to Verdi, shot on location in Italy, which takes the viewer through Verdi’s Italy
1972
Wins his second Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording (RCA’s Aida with Leontyne Price, Grace Bumbry, Plácido Domingo, Ruggero Raimondi, and the London Symphony Orchestra under Erich Leinsdorf)