Jim Cornelison, the full time national anthem singer for the Chicago Blackhawks, has performed the Star Spangled Banner at numerous venues in addition to the United Center. Cornelison has performed the Star Spangled banner before NFL and college football games; as well as NASCAR races.
Last night, on the eve of the Star Spangled banner’s 200th birthday, he flexed his vocal muscles on Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report. Stephen Colbert closed his show last night by interviewing his guest, Lonn Taylor, author of “The Star Spangled banner: the making of an American Icon,” then introducing Cornelison.
Watch below:
If you’re an American and that doesn’t give you goosebumps, then I don’t know what will. Cornelison sang with multiple opera companies before moving to Chicago in 1995 to take part in the Lyric Opera’s Apprenticeship Program. He has performed nationally and internationally with some of the biggest names in opera, such as Plácido Domingo and Zubin Mehta.
As a leading tenor, Cornelison has performed for various opera companies in several countries. He has been the Hawks regular singer since 2007.
The Blackhawks open their preseason in 11 days; the regular season in 27 days.
The Maryland Terrapins will wear football uniforms inspired by the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of The Star-Spangled Banner when it hosts West Virginia at Byrd Stadium on Saturday at noon. The Terps will wear uniforms with the cursive script of Francis Scott Key’s poem “Defence of Fort McHenry,” which later became the national anthem, emblazoned on its helmets and jersey sleeves. (Photos here)
Also, here are five facts you probably did not know about the Star Spangled banner.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and sometimes writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partners with Fox Sports and Yahoo. Read his features stories in the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. Listen to him on 1620 The Zone. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks) His work has been featured in hundreds of media outlets including The Washington Post.