Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl
So, yesterday, after Aaron Neville and Aretha Franklin absolutely massacred the National Anthem at the Super Bowl, it got Neill and I to talking about anthems of years past. I suggested that if Aretha Franklin were to have sang it herself, it might not have been that bad. But Neill said the reason he thought it sucked is because they try and do too much with it. They are adding all sorts of notes and frills to try and “make it their own.” Come on. I still think the best singing of it ever was when Whitney Houston sang it before Super Bowl XXV in 1991. I listened to it today, and Neill’s right. The reason it was so good is because she just SANG THE SONG. Her voice is strong enough and unique enough that she didn’t have to add anything to make it more Whitney Houstonesque.
So, Peter King, you were way off in your column today when you said this:
Aretha Franklin, Dr. John, Aaron Neville. Second-best anthem of the 22 Super Bowls I’ve covered, next to Whitney Houston’s. Moving, terrific. Did you see Cowher’s reaction? I’ve never seen a coach clap so enthusiastically for an anthem. Not sure if I’ve ever seen a coach respond to one, period.
What do you think? Did you like yesterday’s performance of the anthem? Which anthems have you liked in the past? Mariah Carey? Backstreet Boys? Neil Diamond?
I don’t really remember past Super Bowl Anthem’s but have to admit just from some past
anthem experiences in general… Rosanne Arnold shall never sing again and the musical rookies seem
to put on the best performances because they aren’t trying to be to creative. The nation’s
anthem has an already unique and beautiful sound. There is no reason to add a
swing, jazz, blues, or any other kind of feel during a public performance. Save that for
your fans that purchase an album.
Comment by Tulsa — 2/7/2006 @ 12:52 am
I may be dating myself but how about Linda Ronstadt at the World Series in LA in the 70’s. She hugged that microphone in center field and sang like no one I had ever heard before.
Anyone remember??
Comment by Tony — 2/10/2006 @ 10:25 pm