The Best National Anthem Performances

Happy Fourth of July! In honor of the anniversary of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence, here are some of my favorite renditions of our national anthem (in chronological order).

First and probably the most impactful national anthem rendition of all time, Jose Feliciano’s historic 1968 anthem performance at game 5 of the World Series. Now 79 years old, Feliciano is a blind Puerto Rican musician, and he was the first artist to take significant creative liberties with an anthem performance at a major event. He sang and accompanied himself on acoustic guitar, re-harmonizing the melody in a folk style. Unfortunately, he faced incredible backlash, being called un-American and blasphemous and being blacklisted afterwards, but his performance paved the way for future stylized renditions of the anthem.

Next, Whitney Houston’s national anthem performance at the 1991 Super Bowl. Following in Feliciano’s footsteps, Houston performed a more subtly re-harmonized version of the national anthem. Her unbeatably powerful vocals were backed by a full orchestra for a truly memorable and legendary performance.

And lastly, I would be remiss as a trumpet player not to mention Arturo Sandoval’s Star Spangled Banner performance at the 2009 Orange Bowl. Sandoval performed unaccompanied with a majestic and powerful sound. Though he started in a normal range, by the end of the anthem, he jumps the octave and soars to a truly stratospheric range that earns the respect of any trumpeter.

What is your favorite version of our national anthem? Leave it in the comments below!