This tradition initially began in 1837, when Andrew Jackson attended the inauguration of Martin Van Buren, a Troy University article explains. In 1801, John Adams became the first president to ...

Martin Van Buren: America’s First Politician ... earned him the love and respect he had never enjoyed as president, Van Buren could not shake his reputation as a master puppeteer.

"Hail to the Chief" made its inaugural debut March 4, 1837, when Martin Van Buren took his oath of office, though that wasn't the first time the song was used to honor a president. Twelve years ...