By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
It is almost time to kick off the Fourth of July weekend festivities!
But, before you crank up the grill and light your fireworks, Jake’s Take has created a playlist that will entertain your guests at your parties and put both patriotism and American pride at the forefront of your weekend.
Whitney Houston’s triumphant performance of the National Anthem moved a nation! (Photo property of George Rose/Getty Images)
Whitney Houston: “The Star Spangled Banner”
We could not start any playlist without putting “The Star Spangled Banner” as the very first track that should be played at any event. Francis Scott Key wrote the anthem during the War of 1812’s Battle for Fort McHenry, the song officially became the USA’s National Anthem on March 31, 1931. Many singers ranging from amateurs to music legends such as Billy Joel, Mariah Carey, the late Marvin Gaye and Jimi Hendrix, have put their unique spin on the anthem. But, only Whitney Houston’s 1991 earth shattering cover at the Super Bowl; will go down in history as one of the most recognizable National Anthem covers of all-time.
Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The U.S.A.” is the unofficial anthem for the United States. (Photo property of the AP’s Danny Gilleland)
Lee Greenwood: “God Bless The USA”
One of the most quintessential patriotic songs of all-time is “God Bless The USA.” Mr. Greenwood told me that he “felt the need” to express his gratitude for being born in the United States and how he inspired he was by people who juggled “their private lives with public service.” Every time I hear Mr. Greenwood’s iconic song, I still get goose bumps and I think this could be a great icebreaker to use at any Fourth of July party.
Neil Diamond: “America”
Despite starring in an unsuccessful remake of The Jazz Singer, Neil Diamond’s epic tune was one of the most redeeming qualities of the soundtrack. “America” described the chronicles of immigrants arriving from Europe and places around the world. It is also one of the most up-tempo tracks that will get people dancing at your party.
Bruce Springsteen: “Born In The U.S.A.”
Want to ignite excitement? The Boss’ title track to his 1984 studio album will definitely put your guests in a merry mood! “Born In The U.S.A.” focuses on the harsh treatment that Vietnam War veterans received when they were on duty and when they arrived back in their home country. “Born In The U.S.A.” strongly showcases Mr. Springsteen’s vocals and superb drum work from Max Weinberg!
James Brown: “Living in America”
In the Mid-1980s, the Godfather of Soul paid homage to the United States when he released his popular song: “Living in America.” The Dan Hartman and Charlie Midnight-penned track became a sensation on multiple music charts and earned Mr. Brown a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. While the song was featured in Rocky IV, How I Met Your Mother and America’s Got Talent, “Living in America” was Mr. Brown’s final US Top 40 hit.
Folk group Peter, Paul & Mary breathed new life into Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” and transformed the track into their own. (Photo property of WVIA)
Peter, Paul & Mary: “This Land Is Your Land”
Originally written by Woody Guthrie in 1944 and popularized by Pete Seeger, “This Land Is Your Land” beautifully describes America’s natural beauty. During their 25th Anniversary Concert in 1986, folk supergroup Peter, Paul & Mary demonstrated the power of this song by using just Peter and Paul’s guitars and a cappella in their interpretation.
The Queen of Soul had the privilege of performing “My Country, This of Thee” at President Obama’s 2009 Inauguration. (Photo by Reuters’ Jason Reed)
Aretha Franklin: “My Country Tis of Thee”
Before “The Star Spangled Banner” became the United States’ official anthem in 1931, “My Country Tis of Thee” was the go-to song to play at sports events or concertos. The song returned to prominence when the Queen of Soul performed the track at President Obama’s first Inauguration ceremony in 2009.
Celine Dion: “God Bless America”
Music superstar Celine Dion first covered the Irving Berlin during 2001’s America: A Tribute to Heroes. Her haunting, but hopeful rendition of the anthem transfigured the tune into the 21st Century and made it the modern standard for all artists to reach.
Garth Brooks: “American Pie”/”Shout”/”We Shall Be Free”
One of the highlights from President Obama’s pre-Inauguration concert was Garth Brooks’ brilliant interpretations of three American standards: Don McLean’s “American Pie,” the Isley Brothers’ “Shout” and Mr. Brooks’ own “We Shall Be Free.” Each of these songs has brilliantly defined what it means to be an American and would definitely put smiles on your guests’ faces.
Ray Charles’s cover of “America the Beautiful” always left listeners with a lump in their throats. (Photo by AP Photo’s John Hayes)
Ray Charles: “America the Beautiful”
In 1895, writer Katharine Lee Bates and composer Samuel A. Ward created a brilliant tune that remains an all-time favorite in American culture. While many musicians have given their own interpretation of Bates and Ward’s composition, Ray Charles’s spellbinding rendition is universally recognized as the go-to cover, because of the Basie-like sound and Ray’s omnipresent vocals. This track is the perfect way to end the party and prepare for fireworks.
I do not own any of the clips that are sprinkled throughout the article. They belong to the artists and their respective record labels.
