Jose Feliciano Star Spangled Banner 5-10-10

Jose Feliciano's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, in honor of the late Ernie Harwell, prior to the Detroit Tigers Versus the New York Yankees 5-10-10. This is the version that caused controversy prior to Game 5 of the 1968 World Series. It was such a treat to hear this song played tonight. Rest in peace Ernie Harwell, You're Always a Tiger!!!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Jose Feliciano
• Ernie Harwell
• Star Spangled Banner
• Comerica Park

[JeffreyStewartNewton]

Wonderfully musical! I heard it though the ballpark gates after busking sax in the street. I transcribed his 68 version and incorporated many of his unique phrasings. Only ERNIE HARWELL could pull this off: This is remarkable, considering Ernie nearly got canned in 68. Great to see the crowd dig Jose - was the applause this loud?  The 68 naysayers didn't "get" the patriotism behind Jose's version. America is the Country of FREEDOM - this includes musical freedom of expression,

[trewsdetroit5]

@JeffreyStewartNewton It wasn't quite that loud but it was a pretty good response. I looked forward to hearing that for most of the day yesterday. Hard to believe he stirred up controversy for this 40 years ago, but he opened the door to allow people like Hendrix to make the song their own.

[shizz0720]

this was awesome... thanks for putting it up

[trewsdetroit5]

@shizz0720 I agree, the only version of this song that I like better was Hendrix. I was glad I was able to see this done live.

[elsoda]

thats right darn it... A BORICUA givng most probably the best rendition ever of the anthem of this country...

[vaibanez17]

I love everything about this. Letting him come back and do it again, and him doing it the same way. Too bad most of the World War II vets that berated him were dead by this time.

[dacoa263]

Beautiful. I got goosebumps.

[Katherinappp]

love this version <3

[UncleMikeNJ]

Ironic: The very times that made it possible for a nonwhite performer like Jose Feliciano to become a superstar also led to the unfair backlash he got. They didn't understand the music, the hair, the clothes, the sunglasses, the dog.

I can hear the Teabaggers now: "How dare he sit down while the Anthem is being played!" Some people have learned, some haven't.

The irony is that Marvin Gaye sang it before Game 4, straight and great. 15 years later, he sang it gospel-style... wild cheers. 

[safenders]

@elsoda lol nope it's good but far from the best

[shadowromeo22]

i got chills 

[wonglee2424]

Just like the way he did it in 68 he hasn't lost a step!

[richardwha]

Jose! Can you see?

[morpheusxnyc]

He KILLED IT! Love it!