As we celebrate America’s 238th birthday, here are 10 of the best covers of “America the Beautiful.”
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Happy 238th Birthday, America!!!!!!!!
In honor of our country’s birthday, Jake’s Take presents for your viewing pleasure…The 10 Best Covers of “America the Beautiful.”
Barbra Streisand (1982)
Our tribute to the Katherine Lee Bates and Samuel A. Ward hymn begins with the one and only Barbra Streisand. The Hollywood legend delivered a touching cover of the song for her I Love Liberty special. Keep your ears open for Ms. Streisand’s beautiful 10-second long notes.
Aretha Franklin (1993)
The Queen of Soul paid tribute to the late Robert Kennedy on the 25th Anniversary of his assassination. Aretha delivered an inspiring performance that not only paid tribute to the fallen American icon, but also featured her signature vocals.
Little Richard surprised the crowd at WrestleMania X when he sang “America the Beautiful.” (Photo property of the WWE)
Little Richard (1994)
Wait a minute! Is that Little Richard performing the song at the WWE’s WrestleMania? Yep, the Architect of Rock & Roll sang a fiery cover at the 10th anniversary of the wrestling event. Both the “Good Golly Miss Molly” singer and his accompanying choir took every viewer to heaven that night.
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 (1999)
At the end of 20th Century, the legendary Ray Charles delivered one of his final performances of his iconic cover of “America the Beautiful.” Every time, Mr. Charles performed this song live…audiences would get goose bumps and it would make you reflect on what this country had to offer: freedom of expression, religion and whoever you want to be.
Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder & the America: A Tribute to Heroes (2001)
10 days after the most horrible day in modern American history, several of Hollywood and music’s most recognizable names came together to help unite this country as part of a telethon called America: A Tribute to Heroes. The finale of the night featured Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Mariah Carey and Stevie Wonder leading the group in a cover of “America the Beautiful.”
Mariah Carey (2005)
The celebrated singer-songwriter showed off her powerhouse vocals at Macy’s Firework Spectacular with the Statue of Liberty in the horizon.
Beyoncé performed “America the Beautiful” at the finale of the America: We Are One concert. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)
Beyoncé (2009)
Four years later, another talented R&B diva delivered a rousing cover at the Inauguration of the U.S.’s first African-American President. Beyoncé shined vocally and her cover of the classic anthem wrapped up the We Are One concert.
Lea Michele (2011)
The Glee actress-singer not only delivered a superb cover of the song when she performed it at the 45th Super Bowl, but she also made our generation proud.
Jennifer Hudson joined the Sandy Hook Elementary School Chorus in a powerful rendition of “America The Beautiful.” (Photo property of UPI’s Kevin Dietsch)
The Sandy Hook Elementary School Chorus & Jennifer Hudson (2013)
Several Sandy Hook Elementary students paid tribute to their fallen classmates when they performed “America the Beautiful” at this year’s Super Bowl with the former Idol finalist and Oscar-winning actress.
I do not own the clips that are featured in this article. They belong to the artists and the respective television networks.
I could not refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!|