With all the kindness I can muster, I give this one piece of advice to the next pop star who is asked to sing the national anthem at a sporting event: save the vocal gymnastics and the physical gyrations for your concerts. Just sing this song the way you were taught to sing it in kindergarten — straight up, no styling.
Sing it with the constant awareness that there are soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines watching you from bases and outposts all over the world. Don’t make them cringe with your self-centered ego gratification.
Sing it as if you are standing before a row of 86-year-old WWII vets wearing their Purple Hearts, Silver Stars and flag pins on their cardigans and you want them to be proud of you for honoring them and the country they love — not because you want them to think you are a superstar musician. They could see that from the costumes, the makeup and the entourages.
Sing “The Star Spangled Banner” with the courtesy and humility that tells the audience that it is about America, not you.
If you can’t or won’t, then don’t do it again…
Yeah, it really galls me to hear these “artists” attempt to sing it.
The last good performance I heard was at the NHRA Winternationals last year…
Amen.
(and thank you.)
Agree! Let’s thank those singers who do treat it with respect and who make an effort to entertain the troops.
The Stylish Blogger Award has been passed on to you! Take a look at my acceptance of the award from Brigid, and my pass to you: http://northwest1524.blogspot.com/
I agree 100%
NFO: Couldn’t have said it better myself!
Agreed!
Both a hearty “AMEN” and “THANK YOU” from me on this one! Definitely one of my top pet peeves.
Thanks, I love it when it’s done right. YeeHaa!
The best renditions I’ve heard lately were all by military personnel.
They know why the anthem is important and don’t hoke it up.
Thank-You for saying what so many of us have been thinking.And saying it real well
This is how it’s done: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKCVS57j284&feature=related
Hear, hear! Failure to do so makes the SINGER look ridiculous, NOT the song!
BZ
Here is another version by some beautiful kids in Lubbock Tx.
I go back and watch this at leas 3 or 4 times a month
These are the Cactus Cuties and they are fantastic!! Take it from a 35 year Barbershopper!
Ditto! If ya can’t remember the words to the song while you’re singing, don’t even bother.
Thank you all for the feedback, and yep, kids and servicemembers DO know what it’s all about…
TOL/Ev- BOTH outstanding links!
North- Thank you Sir.
Bravo, NFO, Bravo!
Ed- Thank you.
Agreed.
What ever happened to just singing it the way it was written?