National Anthem: Tradition or Style?

[Gabeking]

that kind of situation is a bear to perform in. the feedback from speakers and the effect that wind has on everything can make it very difficult to hear yourself, whether a singer or performer.

for that kind of production i wouldn't be a bit surprised if there was track being played.

i always loved the idea of performing outside, but it was always a headache because sound does very funny things outside. when you're in a situation where everything has to be perfect and you're relying a lot on what you hear (which most musicians do, including hearing what it is that you're doing) then it can easily turn bad. i've played and sung at festivals where sound could travel forever and i've performed in areas that don't have a roof, but still have seating that can bounce the sound back at you and you can practice and do all kinds of sound checks with the place empty, but when there's people in those stands it's going to have a different effect. plus there's the unpredictable effect that wind can have on the situation.

i think that with a symphony behind her it adds a very different element for her and the other performers because you've got sound coming from all around and it can be a bit confusing.

it was important that she nailed that song, esp. for the time we were in then. i mean it was just a few days after the persian gulf war started and this was something brand new to many in the US. we hadn't really been involved in anything like that in about 20 years.

it was too big of a deal in many regards to leave to the chaos that performing outside can bring.

My opinion is as long as it was her voice on the track it shouldn't be a problem.

[top dawg]

The words and the meaning behind the words are what is most important. As long as the singer is true to the words, I don't have any problem with a little bit of artistic license. Soul and voice behind the anthem can add poignancy and depth which can ultimately make the anthem all the more meaningful.

[Killa Cam 69]

Whitney's really was incredable

[BBQ&Beer]

I trust Alicia.

[Panths]

Should always be sung thus:

[Icege]

I hate when artists try to put their spin on the national anthem. I'm hoping Alicia Keys doesn't take any liberty with it... She sang it beautifully before.

[JJT]

I've taken the liberty of transcribing a stock arrangement of the National Anthem for anyone who wants to sing it at a football game or a race.

[csx]

IMO, the ability of the artist to make it both traditional and distinctively theirs s the measure of their talent. It's the no talent hacks who change it because they can't perform it.

[rodeo]

if it's done well both ways are good.

[Hawk]

traditional all the way....these fricken artists that come in to sing the anthem and try to make it their own.....screw that....it's not your own...it's the Country's fricken national anthem. Show some respect and pass on the opportunity to prove you can butcher a perfectly good song!!

[rodeo]

Yeah and the anthem is also meant to be sung and has no official instrumental arrangement. It's borderline treason when the military orchestras make it their own by playing it with trumpets and poo.

I'm real stirred up I tell ya what

[chknwing]

lol

Beyonce's spectacular inaugural performance of the national anthem was indeed lip-synched. Confirmed.

[Awesomeness!!]

Just remember the words, and dont make it anything you can dance to..

[h0llywood]

Just heard Brian McKnight sing the national anthem at the Pro Bowl and that was one of the best I've heard in a long time.