From a Marine Corps Colonel in Afghanistan:
"So 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 your costume, makeup and your entourage.
Sing 'The Star Spangled Banner' with the courtesy and humility that tells the audience that it is about America, not you. And please remember, not everything has to be sung as a Negro spiritual. We're getting a little weary of that.
Francis Scott Key does not need any help."
Semper Fi !
I have been impressed with many renditions at NHL arenas in Canada. It means a lot when someone who is not even an American delivers a proper, respectful rendition.
Thanks a lot guys, eh?
Finally! We may get a singer who can hit that high note without her voice cracking.
“—please remember, not everything has to be sung as a Negro spiritual. We’re getting a little weary of that.”
I actually thought I was the only one who felt this way. I often have to mute the TV it annoys me so much.
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I am in complete agreement with the comments made by my fellow Marine.
In addition, let me say that Renee Fleming singing our National Anthem will likely be the high point of the entire Stupor Bowl Show.
OooRah!
Fleming is amazing. I look forward to haering this.
Where’s Mad Ivan?
well she’s certainly not a pop star
Amen! I refuse to listen to any “Whitney Houston” rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. It is disgusting.
bookmark
Well said Colonel. Well said.
BUMP 10^10
“Sing ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ with the courtesy and humility that tells the audience that it is about America, not you.”
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Renee Fleming sings Amazing Grace at 9/11 memorial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87BxqK7KKCc
This will be done right. And it will probably be the only part of the Super Bowl I will watch.
From my old marching band director (paraphrased):
“The Star Spangled Banner should be performed in 1 minute, 20 seconds. No longer.”
It may be tough for an opera singer to hit the high notes with sleet flying in her face. Hope she’s pre-recorded and lip-synching.
Well said, Rhema!!
Some people never learn the sometimes......understated, subtle, and dignified works better.
The first opera singer since Enrico Palazzo.
Now if they’d only do a section of Phantom of the Opers for halftime, that would be something.
I do not like Opera but it has to be a refreshing change from some of the idiots they choose to sing the anthem.
Most of the female singers they choose to sing the anthem need to go back to hooking on the corner. Most of the male singers need to go back to shining shoes at the bus station. ;-)
I like this Marine’s eloquence a lot better than mine!
Semper Fi!