Jazz Artist Rene Marie shocked her audience when she sung the words to the 'Black National Anthem' to the tune of the Star Spangled Banner. Just on time for July 4th!
The singer was in front of the audience at Denver's State of the City Address. Only her husband and musical adviser knew she would swap in the Black National Anthem.
Many were notably upset, including Denver's Mayor, John Hickenlooper (great name by the way: just say it, “Hickenlooper.†Wow.) Hickenlooper noted, “If anyone has got a right to be angry it's probably me: I guess what I feel most is just deeply disappointed.â€
City Councilman Charlie Brown added, “There is no substitute for the national anthem.â€
But if there WAS a substitute, would this be it? Although it is colloquially referred to as the 'Black National Anthem', the song is actually a hymn titled, 'Lift Every Voice and Sing'.
By the way, Rene Marie still received applause by the crowd... although most news reports cut that part out.
BUT, these following news reports suggests things were more 'embarrassing' than my commentary might suggest:
Rene Marie in the News
YouTube Responses
Wow, this response to the Black National Anthem is best start to a YouTube Video ever:
Black National Anthem (4 Videos)
Singer Replaces Words of 'Star-Spangled Banner'
Trend Themes
1. Black National Anthem - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring alternative, inclusive national anthems that represent diverse cultures and experiences.
2. Lift Every Voice and Sing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Promoting awareness and appreciation for the 'Black National Anthem', also known as 'Lift Every Voice and Sing', in mainstream settings.
3. Youtube Responses - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leveraging YouTube and social media platforms to foster meaningful discussions and engagement around controversial performances and artistic expressions.
Industry Implications
1. Music Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Reevaluating traditional notions of national anthems and exploring new forms of musical expression and representation.
2. Entertainment Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Challenging societal norms through thought-provoking performances and creating inclusive spaces for diverse voices and perspectives.
3. Social Media Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Enhancing platforms and algorithms to facilitate constructive and respectful dialogue while addressing controversial content and reactions.