Even with echoes of Houston's National Anthem in the background, it's hard to imagine that the reception would be the same. (Not every attempt is a touchdown.)Īnd that brings us to today, looking at the Super Bowl LV, following a year of pandemic, four years of a failed presidency, and a beleaguered nation that has been at war for nearly two decades. Houston's legacy may be entrenched in her signature "I Will Always Love You" cover from The Bodyguard, but her influence finds new life in every soulful interpretation of The Star Spangled Banner. She inspired a generation of performers to put their own spin on the anthem, to varying levels of success: from the Dixie Chicks' intoxicating harmonies to Christina Aguilera's mislicked attempt that prioritized vocal gymnastics over accuracy. In the 30 years that have passed, coming up with a worthy contender to topple Houston's cover is nearly impossible. But this was the first time an artist had reimagined the Anthem at the Super Bowl, the biggest sporting event in America. There's a rich history of Black artists reinterpreting the National Anthem for political and creative purposes-notably Jimi Hendrix and Marvin Gaye (whose own version inspired Houston's performance). The closest thing the Super Bowl had seen to a deviation was the year before, when Aaron Neville performed the Anthem in his signature vocal style. Super Bowl renditions were predictable and deliberate, more akin to a singalong than a track open for interpretation. Though the Super Bowl had been tapping top-tier talent to sing the Anthem since Diana Ross' 1982 performance, no one had taken the artistic license that Houston did. The National Anthem, as we know it today, is due in large part to Houston. In the 2018 Kevin Macdonald documentary Whitney, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds said, "Hearing her sing The Star-Spangled Banner-she made people proud that they were Americans." Sandwiched between the War on Drugs in the '80s, which disproportionately affected Black people and the 1992 Los Angeles riots, Houston's ascent and domination of a typically white-dominated pop landscape was a testament to Black excellence. Houston's performance was, of course, a cultural moment for all watching that day, but it held a special importance for Black Americans. The intricacies were somehow both subtle and revolutionary, unlike any Super Bowl rendition of the National Anthem that had ever preceded it. What followed was a tour de force of an anthem, pivoting between powerful silky notes and effortlessly rich vibrato. Instead, she waved to the crowd, stood at the mic, put her hands behind her back, and sang the National Anthem. Walking up to the mic in a white tracksuit, headband, and matching Nikes, there was no flashy pomp and circumstance that typically accompanied a Houston performance. The government was selling the war with a heavy dose of American patriotism, and what could be more patriotic than the National Anthem, sang by the Whitney Houston, in a stadium packed with 74,000 people more proud of being American than ever before? If anyone could sell patriotism in two minutes, it was Houston.Īt dusk, she appeared on the field, flanked by the Florida Orchestra. Literal baseball card mockups were made of Gulf War soldiers. As political scientists have noted for years, there's this thing called "rally 'round the flag effect," where tragedy or war inspires an increased sense of patriotism. Thrust into another Middle Eastern conflict, Super Bowl XXV felt less like a football game and more of a testament to American excellence. Look Good Feel Good in Florida Nights Apparel.On January 27, 1991, only ten days had passed since American military forces were deployed to Iraq, officially launching the Persian Gulf War. This step by step process of production and the new ideas of the collections is built to offer customers excellence in quality and creativity. This process provides a softer feel than Screen Printing. Printing process is Direct to Garment (DTG) printing (most likely on full color photo tees) or DTF Direct to Film printing (mostly on Hoodies and Sweatshirts. If we personally would not wear it, we will not sell it.Įach piece is specially printed when you order it. Just contact us if your print is not on the item you want, and we will make it happen.Īll of the items we offer are Super relaxed, and have a great fit and feel. You can put this print on any clothing we have in stock. It also looks great on a Next Level Triblend T-shirt that hugs your body, or a Next Level Raglan T-shirt that brings out the color. You Love this Print? Put it on any Hoodie, including our Female Cut off Hoodies. 50/25/25 poly/combed ring spun cotton/rayon.We Decorate Next Level Unisex Tri-Blend Tee(s), Cut off Tee(s), Ragland Tee(s) that are Dyed-to-match drawcords with aluminum grommets. Fleece Hoodie(s) and Cut off Hoodie(s) Sweatshirts that are
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