Happy Independence Day!

And now, to help boost your patriotic spirit, here are (once again, with slight variation) five different (and great) renditions of the "Star Spangled Banner" from the best fifty years or so courtesy of God's gift to Internet video watchers, YouTube!

First up, here is the U.S. national anthem as played during certain moments (usually on the beginning) of Ken Burns' 11-part series that ran on PBS in 1994 and again in 2010: "Baseball." Major hat tip to the piano player, whoever the hell he is.



Over the years there have been plenty of great female singers to sing the national anthem before the sporting event, from Jennifer Hudson to the Dixie Chicks to Christina Aguilera (some better than others, oviously). And yet, none of these ladies' renditions have come close to that of which Whitney Houston gave back in Super Bowl XXV, even after twenty years have come and gone. It was a powerful and emotional performance by Houston, one that was made even greater by the fact that U.S. soldiers were being sent off at the time to fight in the Persian Gulf War. I have watched this clip multiple times, and yet I still end up getting goosebumps by the time it's over!



Speaking of national anthems that were sung during the start of the Persian Gulf War, here's Wayne Messmer's rendition during the 1991 NHL All-Star Game in Chicago, the only performance in this list more known for the crowd enthusiastic cheering than the actual singer. Yes sir, February 1991 was indeed a great time to be an American patriot.



Now, it's time to bring a little soul into the national anthem, with the one of the few all-time R&B singers that could actually get away with it. Here's Marvin Gaye singing the "Star-Spangled Banner" during the 1983 NBA All-Star Game. It's a performance so fantastic that I think the NBA should just replay this during every All-Star Game. Lord knows it's one of the greatest things to ever happen in that exhibition.



And, finally, what would a list of memorable performance of the "Star-Spangled Banner" without Jimi Hendrix's psychedelic guitar-only rendition made famous after he played it in Woodstock? A poorly done one, that's what! Rock on, Jimi!



BONUS: Now, from five great performances to one very bad one (probably the worst ever), here's Roseanna Barr during her Roseanna Barr thing before a San Diego Padres game in 1990. Why was she even asked to sing it I will never comprehend.



So, I guess that's about it. Reminder: no new post until this blog returns from hiatus on Monday the 18th of July. So, enjoy your time off until then, maybe take a quick look back at the archives if you feel like it, but the important thing is to enjoy this time off from my crap as well as I am writing it. Also, have a happy 4th of July, everyone!
Sincerely,
Your pal: mj15




If you have any opinions on today's post, or if you just have any suggestions or tips for my next blog entry, e-mail me at: mj1599@aol.com. Your e-mails are greatly appreciated.