Whitney's and other versions are excellent, but to me they celebrate more the singing and style of the singer (s) or group than they do the flag and its meaning. Most of them to me are just showing off their chops.
Merrill's version to me celebrates America -- straight forward, proud, strong and confident -- no frills or trills or adornments -- just the great, unvarnished package of this great country.
His is the version I'd stand up for, salute, raise my head to, march, fight and unfurl every flag I have for.
A second, simpler, but extremely moving and heartfelt was Jose Feliciano at the fifth game of the '68 World Series. At the time, it caught you by surprise, but as you listened, you felt the rising sadness and turmoil the country was experiencing at the time. You felt for the country itself.
it comes down to if you are a fan of the singer.....
As far as Whitney goes, it was recorded great, just not sung live.....and there is a big difference singing live in front of a huge crowd, versus lip singing.....as to whether she knew or not, I seriously doubt she didn't know....
As for Jose, I think you have to like his type of singing to like his version.....listen to the crowd after he was done...more stunned, than excited....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1ZQawbo4Mo
There are many great renditions of the song.....like these little girls, a few years back Link - ( New Window )
No votes for Jose Feliciano's version at the 1968 W.S.?
It's been a long time, but I remember watching it on tv in a bar on Lexington Avenue. Half the people thought it was great and the other half were repulsed.
On a separate musical note - - - - now that "God Bless America" is sung during the 7th inning break at ball parks, it is my personal opinion that any singer who changes the name of our country to "Amerryica" should be banned from ever singing that standard again. We do not live in "Amerryica". Sing it the way it was intended. This is "America"......pronouced Amer-uh-cuh.
Actually they should do away with the live performances entirely and just play the Kate Smith recording every time.
End of rant.
Lip syncing is mouthing the words to match the recording. She didn't do that. She sang the song -- into a dead mike. She didn't know the mike was dead and that they were playing the recording.
You're joking, right? You don't seriously believe that....
You're joking, right? You don't seriously believe that....
Yes. Yes I do.
Lip-syncing (unbeknownst to her, yet) would be almost impossible to pull off given how perfectly she performed it..Watching her mouth revealed not one missed syllable imo..And to supposedly deaden the mike without her knowledge and STILL have nary a syllable be off would be next to impossible imv
Huey Lewis and the News did a great version at Candlestick.
Whitney's and other versions are excellent, but to me they celebrate more the singing and style of the singer (s) or group than they do the flag and its meaning. Most of them to me are just showing off their chops.
Merrill's version to me celebrates America -- straight forward, proud, strong and confident -- no frills or trills or adornments -- just the great, unvarnished package of this great country.
His is the version I'd stand up for, salute, raise my head to, march, fight and unfurl every flag I have for.
A second, simpler, but extremely moving and heartfelt was Jose Feliciano at the fifth game of the '68 World Series. At the time, it caught you by surprise, but as you listened, you felt the rising sadness and turmoil the country was experiencing at the time. You felt for the country itself.
Just my two cents.
Robert Merrill sings the Anthem. - ( New Window )
She didn't do that. She sang the song -- into a dead mike. She didn't know the mike was dead and that they were playing the recording.
You always made certain to be in your seat in time to hear their rendition before a Giants home game.
I'd love to hear that..Recorded anywhere? Didn't see on YouTube
Quote:
(by far) was always Tenor Philip Creech and trumpet player Mel Broyles, both from the Metropolitan Opera.
You always made certain to be in your seat in time to hear their rendition before a Giants home game.
I'd love to hear that..Recorded anywhere? Didn't see on YouTube
Agree with Yankee, always loved B&C.
But this happens to be my all-time favorite...
Mo Cheeks - ( New Window )
Link - ( New Window )
As far as Whitney goes, it was recorded great, just not sung live.....and there is a big difference singing live in front of a huge crowd, versus lip singing.....as to whether she knew or not, I seriously doubt she didn't know....
As for Jose, I think you have to like his type of singing to like his version.....listen to the crowd after he was done...more stunned, than excited....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1ZQawbo4Mo
There are many great renditions of the song.....like these little girls, a few years back
Link - ( New Window )
On a separate musical note - - - - now that "God Bless America" is sung during the 7th inning break at ball parks, it is my personal opinion that any singer who changes the name of our country to "Amerryica" should be banned from ever singing that standard again. We do not live in "Amerryica". Sing it the way it was intended. This is "America"......pronouced Amer-uh-cuh.
Actually they should do away with the live performances entirely and just play the Kate Smith recording every time.
End of rant.
Link - ( New Window )
Jose Feliciano Star Spangled Banner - ( New Window )
Yes. Yes I do.
Quote:
You're joking, right? You don't seriously believe that....
Yes. Yes I do.
Lip-syncing (unbeknownst to her, yet) would be almost impossible to pull off given how perfectly she performed it..Watching her mouth revealed not one missed syllable imo..And to supposedly deaden the mike without her knowledge and STILL have nary a syllable be off would be next to impossible imv