Posted on Feb 1, 2015
How do you feel when you hear the National Anthem performed by an "Artist" singing it their way instead of as written?
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It's not the start of the NFL season and I'm not sure who originated the following but I find it to be good advice for everyone, no matter what the event.
The National Anthem
From a Marine Corps Colonel in Afghanistan.
With the start of the NFL season, perhaps all team owners should be sent the following:
"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 WW II 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, and not about you!
The National Anthem
From a Marine Corps Colonel in Afghanistan.
With the start of the NFL season, perhaps all team owners should be sent the following:
"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 WW II 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, and not about you!
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National Anthem
National Anthem
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 7
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I would love to see all those who sing the National Anthem to sing it with the respect it deserves. Whether there is or isn't any service members or vets present, this anthem is the representative of all our country, the good, the bad, and me. (ugly) Now, granted the music the words are set to is a beer drinking tune from long ago, but when coupled with F.S.Key's words, it is no longer a tune that "artistic license" can be used on. I am a musician, guitar, and every 4th of July I play the anthem loud enough for the whole neighborhood to hear! I could do some of Jimi's tricks, but respect is more important.
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The phrase, "Fingernails on a chalkboard" comes to mind.
Do it the way it was written.
Do it the way it was written.
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