Jan, thanks. You have heard the story of the '68 World Series, I take it? If not, here's the short version. Gaye sang the Anthem before Game 4. He was hired by Ernie Harwell, the Hall of Fame announcer, who also hired Jose Feliciano for Game 5. Harwell told Gaye to sing it 'straight,' and he did. Jose, however, was given no instruction and sang "the 10-minute version" per Mickey Lolich, the Tigers pitcher that day. People were incensed and there were calls for him to 'go back to his own country' even though Feliciano was an American citizen. It got ridiculous.
Jan, it was pure Mavin Gaye, so, another song altogether; it was no American National Anthem to my ears but a special interpretation of sounds a la the musical genius. He has been a singer that I have always cherished. Even his walk to mic was like no other. I also love basketball, NBA style. Thank you, Jan., for putting Marvin Gaye in my soul before breakfast this morning.
Brother Ray, followed closely by Marvin's 1983 version of the SSB. https://theathletic.com/4153452/2023/02/16/marvin-gaye-nba-all-star-game-national-anthem-remembered/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983
Kent, your link was to an article written by two fellows for 'the athlete' a sports outlet with a paywall, so, even the article was not available.
Try this:
https://youtu.be/p2KYZ1BritY
Jan, thanks. You have heard the story of the '68 World Series, I take it? If not, here's the short version. Gaye sang the Anthem before Game 4. He was hired by Ernie Harwell, the Hall of Fame announcer, who also hired Jose Feliciano for Game 5. Harwell told Gaye to sing it 'straight,' and he did. Jose, however, was given no instruction and sang "the 10-minute version" per Mickey Lolich, the Tigers pitcher that day. People were incensed and there were calls for him to 'go back to his own country' even though Feliciano was an American citizen. It got ridiculous.
Jan, it was pure Mavin Gaye, so, another song altogether; it was no American National Anthem to my ears but a special interpretation of sounds a la the musical genius. He has been a singer that I have always cherished. Even his walk to mic was like no other. I also love basketball, NBA style. Thank you, Jan., for putting Marvin Gaye in my soul before breakfast this morning.
My pleasure.
"The Athletic." There is a paywall, yes, but I *thought* it was free. (That's what I get for thinking). Anyhow, Jan posted the you-tube video.