The first documented time that the United States National Anthem, the “Star-Spangled Banner” was sung at a sporting event came at a baseball game in 1862. Fast forward to 1931 and it became the official anthem of the U.S. and it marked the start of it being played at American sporting events. Now, it’s a staple before every game is played. Throughout history, there have been performances of the “Star-Spangled Banner” that have left lasting impressions that fans will never forget. We’ve seen some great renditions are have been heavily praised and some not so great that have been heavily criticized. This list will feature both the good and the bad throughout its time.
It wasn’t at a sporting event so it won’t be featured among the top performances but no one can ever forget probably the most memorable anthem performance of all time and that was Jimi Hendrix’s historic electric guitar rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the famous Woodstock event in 1969. His Iconic performance will always be remembered by everyone.
The performances from the past continue to influence the performances of today. Also with the advancement of technology, digital tools like those that turn text to music can help inspire new ways for anthem singers to try and create memorable renditions. These five performances below will be remembered by sports fans forever, good or bad.
5 Memorable US Anthem Performances Fans Will Never Forget
1. Whitney Houston (1991, Super Bowl XXV)
There have been numerous great renditions of the U.S. National Anthem at sporting events but none will top what Whitney Houston did in 1991 at Super Bowl XXV. Her performance was considered iconic, showing off her powerful voice mixed in with the amount of emotion. Houston took her range to new heights, drawing even more praise for what she did. In fact, it was met with so much praise that the song also was released as a single. It was also during the time of the first Gulf War, making it an even more beautiful rendition in a time of need.
2. Roseanne Barr (1990, San Diego Padres Game)
We go from the best performance of the U.S. Anthem at a sporting event to probably the worst. Roseanne Barr was one of the most well-known comedians at the time and everyone thought her singing the “Star-Spangled Banner” would be perfect. Well, needless to say, performing the national anthem while also trying to do it comedically was met with heavy criticism. At a San Diego Padres game in 1990, Barr shouted the lyrics, intently being off-key while grabbing her crotch and spitting on the pitcher’s mound. Her obnoxious rendition was met with outrage by just about everyone, no matter if she was trying to do her comedic stick on purpose.
3. Marvin Gaye (1983, NBA All-Star Game)
Marvin Gaye’s performance at the NBA All-Star Game in 1983 strayed away from the traditional way of singing the anthem but it was held in high regard. He did his way with a soul/R&B style that was smooth and calming. The beat, the rhythm, and the originality are what make it stand out from any other performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” In a way, it influenced some of the renditions after it. The crowd loved it and received a standing ovation. Gaye’s way was cool and innovative.
4. Fergie (2018, NBA All-Star Game)
While Fergie tried to be creative and put her own little jazzy spin on the anthem, it didn’t deliver on the court as intended. In the most recent performance of the National Anthem on this list, it was criticized all over across multiple platforms for being too much and over-the-top. What made it even more memorable, not in a good way, was players and celebrities laughing at the performance on the court or at court-side while the lyrics were being sung. The internet was in on it at the moment too, making it a forgettable performance. Fergie knew she was taking a risk and she paid for it.
5. Lady Gaga (2016, Super Bowl 50)
The theatrics of Lady Gaga’s performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner” were widely met with positive sentiment. Being accompanied only by a piano, her choice of slow pace brought out her strong vocal abilities that made everything about the moment stand out. She delivered the moment smoothly and precisely that allowed for one of the best performances of the U.S. National Anthem that fans will never forget.
Main Image: © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
