# Best rendition of the National Anthem before a sporting event **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 12, 2012, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605 "2012-02-12T15:31:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Jim\_s\_Son](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19adc/32.png) [@Jim\_s\_Son](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_s_Son)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2012, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/21 "2012-02-12T22:47:58Z")
> [@turner](#): > > Jim Cornelison. > > [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMmIKoC3DQQ](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMmIKoC3DQQ) Love Jim Cornelsion. The Ottawa Senators have a great anthem singer in Lyndon Slewridge and of course there was the late Roger Doucet of the Montreal Canadiens. ---
**Author:** ![polar\_bear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ec9cab/32.png) [@polar\_bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/polar_bear)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2012, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/22 "2012-02-12T22:51:39Z")
I realize this is supposed to be about the Americun national anthem and the popstars that sing them, but I have to chime in with [Ireland’s call](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIxe5ooQtqI) before a Rugby match (eventhough it’s not strictly the national anthem). This is what sports is about, passionate fans and passionate players… not the latest semi finalist on The Voice. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2012, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/23 "2012-02-12T23:00:27Z")
The answer is goddamn Whitney Houston. I’m not gunning for any “Well everyone’s going to say her now because it’s always been a popular answer, but now even more so after she died” points. The National Anthem is a great song that is goddamn impossible to sing well, but Ms. Houston handled it like it showed up with a knife to a gunfight. Marvin Gaye’s was great, and Huey Lewis and the News indeed delivered an outstanding performance (never saw it until just now – thanks!), but Whitney Houston takes this category. ---
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2012, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/24 "2012-02-12T23:16:49Z")
> [@cmkeller](#): > > This is a bit dated (and excludes non-baseball events), but back in the 1985’s, Sports Illustrated had [an article](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1119352/index.htm) which selected the best of everything baseball-related (that was possible at that time), and chose Linda Ronstadt’s rendition from the 1977 World Series as the one to beat. > > (Man, I love the fact that SI has their full archives on line for free.) [Clip](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUY7gzzYSd8) ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2012, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/25 "2012-02-12T23:17:00Z")
Pop-idiosyncratic renditions of the National Anthem at sporting events may not have absolutely originated with[José Feliciano’s 1968 Tiger Stadium version](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrY9RVfVkws) and it may not be the greatest interpretation, but definitely was the one that put the notion on the map (and caught what 40 years later seems like a stupid degree of flak for it… if those audiences only knew what was in the future… today it seems like no biggie). ---
**Author:** ![lisiate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f05b48/32.png) [@lisiate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lisiate)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2012, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/26 "2012-02-12T23:20:52Z")
> [@polar\_bear](#): > > I realize this is supposed to be about the Americun national anthem and the popstars that sing them, but I have to chime in with [Ireland’s call](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIxe5ooQtqI) before a Rugby match (eventhough it’s not strictly the national anthem). This is what sports is about, passionate fans and passionate players… not the latest semi finalist on The Voice. Nah, the Welsh have them beat. Just watch any Welsh home rugby match for performances [like this](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRtK2oTa0ss). Oh there’s about 60 seconds of ‘God save the Queen’ first. ---
**Author:** ![slowlearner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@slowlearner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slowlearner)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2012, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/27 "2012-02-13T00:47:37Z")
trumpeter tommy loy played it beautifully before superbowl V, and at many cowboy’s home games before that. can’t find a video of it. wish they had the grambling band at halftime instead of madonna… ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2012, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/28 "2012-02-13T02:45:33Z")
> [@cmkeller](#): > > This is a bit dated (and excludes non-baseball events), but back in the 1985’s, Sports Illustrated had [an article](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1119352/index.htm) which selected the best of everything baseball-related (that was possible at that time), and chose Linda Ronstadt’s rendition from the 1977 World Series as the one to beat. > > (Man, I love the fact that SI has their full archives on line for free.) For the straight sung as it was written Linda Ronstadt in a walk. If you want the Craig Shoemaker “Lovemaster” Hollywood version. Then Whitney. ---
**Author:** ![Shakester](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shakester/32/437_2.png) [@Shakester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shakester)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2012, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/29 "2012-02-13T06:04:35Z")
Hendrix at Woodstock. I know that doesn’t count as a sporting event, but I don’t care, it’s the only version of the US national anthem that ever meant anything to me. ---
**Author:** ![Max\_Torque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2012, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/30 "2012-02-14T21:40:50Z")
I’ve got a soft spot for the [Cactus Cuties](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKCVS57j284). Seen 'em live, since they’re local, and while live is always best, this video is pretty fair. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2012, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/31 "2012-02-14T23:36:12Z")
> [@av8orjb](#): > > 1991 NHL all star game in Chicago sung by Wayne Messmer . I watched it live from the Gulf War. Something I will never forget. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvpxVE\_kQXg](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvpxVE_kQXg) +1 Although, you could have said ANY Blackhawk’s game in the nineties when Messmer belted it out at the old Chicago Stadium. ---
**Author:** ![Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troy_mcclure_sf/32/4150_2.png) [@Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troy_McClure_SF)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2012, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/32 "2012-02-14T23:56:49Z")
> [@Doug\_K](#): > > For an acapella celebrity performance, I’ve never seen anything that tops [Huey Lewis and the News](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3qD1jKNYaU). The A’s really like that one, too, because they’ll play A RECORDING OF IT before ballgames sometimes. We went to some random Tuesday night game at the Coliseum and the PA guy says “And now, singing the Nation Anthem, Huey Lewis and the News!” We were astonished that they’d be there for such a non-event, until we realized that they in fact, weren’t. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/33 "2012-02-15T00:06:52Z")
> [@av8orjb](#): > > 1991 NHL all star game in Chicago sung by Wayne Messmer . I watched it live from the Gulf War. Something I will never forget. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvpxVE\_kQXg](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvpxVE_kQXg) Haven’t seen that since 1991. I have to admit, that may just be the winner. ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/34 "2012-02-15T19:22:06Z")
Anybody have the clip from the NBA of a coach helping a young girl that forgot the lyrics? That one was pretty memorable (although obviously not for “quality of singing” reasons). I personally really like the Gaye version and the Messmer one… ---
**Author:** ![treis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bc79bd/32.png) [@treis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/treis)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/35 "2012-02-15T19:55:12Z")
[rant] There are no “versions” of the National Anthem. There is one song that is the National Anthem, and if you slow it down, speed it up, or change pitches, you aren’t singing it. [/rant] ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/36 "2012-02-15T21:04:45Z")
That’s just silly talk. Especially if you think that changing the tempo makes it a different song entirely. What is the “proper” tempo for the National Anthem, pray tell? ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5ac83/32.png) [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/37 "2012-02-15T22:24:53Z")
> [@Jas09](#): > > That’s just silly talk. Especially if you think that changing the tempo makes it a different song entirely. What is the “proper” tempo for the National Anthem, pray tell? Maybe he’s referring to drastic tempo changes throughout the performance. It doesn’t need to be metronome-like, but it should be fairly steady. Or possibly altering the time signature. There’s at least one example where the performer clumsily shoehorns it into 4/4 by stretching out one beat per measure. I certainly hate it when someone alters the notes or timing. It doesn’t sound artistic at all. It sounds like an inexperienced singer hunting for the right note. ---
**Author:** ![Yookeroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yookeroo/32/323_2.png) [@Yookeroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yookeroo)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2012, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/38 "2012-02-16T01:41:44Z")
My favorite version wasn’t before a sporting event. It was the [Philip Glass Orchestra](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7py72pdtIA) at the Hollywood Bowl. ---
**Author:** ![Docta\_G](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2bfe46/32.png) [@Docta\_G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Docta_G)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2012, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/39 "2012-02-16T02:26:36Z")
The only version of that lame tune I can stomach is Marvin Gaye’s. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2012, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605/40 "2012-02-16T06:36:30Z")
I think you might have to split the contest into two separate categories - best traditional version, and best creative version. Marvin Gaye wins best creative version hands down for me, but you can’t really compare what he did with what Wayne Messmer did. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-rendition-of-the-national-anthem-before-a-sporting-event/612605.md?page=3)