Singer deliberately substitutes words to the National Anthem in Denver ...
By ladyluna
@ladyluna (7004)
United States
July 2, 2008 10:56am CST
Hello All,
"Denver's City Council president is getting hammered with hate-filled messages in response to Tuesday's surprise performance of the "Black National Anthem" by a jazz singer during a city event.
Chanteuse René Marie had been invited by Mayor John Hickenlooper's office to sing the national anthem during his annual State of the City address.
Council President Michael Hancock, the master of ceremonies, introduced Marie, who sang what is known as the "Black National Anthem" instead.
Her performance evoked angry reactions among some of the estimated 700 people at the event.
"There is no substitute for the national anthem. Period," Councilman Charlie Brown said.
"This is the State of the City address. It's not an NAACP convention," he said, referring to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Hickenlooper and his staff said they expected Marie to sing the "The Star-Spangled Banner" and that they were surprised when she sang something different.
In a statement late Tuesday, Hickenlooper said: "I'm disappointed that this matter has been a distraction from the great work and significant accomplishments of our city employees over the past year and the many important initiatives on tap for the coming year."
Hickenlooper said in an interview that he spoke to Marie after the ceremony and that she apologized profusely.
The mayor also said that Marie told him she meant no disrespect.
"She blended the two songs together," Hickenlooper said. "She was trying to make an artistic expression of her love for the country. She did not intend to make a political statement or anything."
Marie sang the first verse of James Weldon Johnson's "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," also known as the "Black National Anthem," but adapted those lyrics to the tune of the "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Marie said she had no regrets. She deliberately didn't tell anybody about her song choice "because I don't think it is necessary for an artist to ask permission to express themselves artistically," she said.
"I would not change a thing," Marie said...."
You can read the rest of the story, and the lyrics at the link below.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jul/01/singing-black-national-anthem-hits-sour-note/
_____________________________________________________
Personally, this really steams me. What say you?
1. Did the singer step over the line?
2. Shouldn't she have given the Denver administration the option to weigh in on her political activism?
3. Should the Denver City Council president have turned off her microphone? Should he have begun singing the real National Anthem? What do you think should have been done?
5 people like this
12 responses
@rodney850 (2145)
• United States
2 Jul 08
Hello LadyLuna,
In answer to your first question I have to say it was definitely overstepping her bounds although it absolutely doesn't surprise me! And yes, she should have given the Denver City Council a "heads-up" on her intentions but then she would have left herself wide open for be asked not to sing it that way or not to sing at all! Something I learned from my wife a long time ago and that is; it's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission! That way you get to do what you wanted to do, right or wrong and have options afterward!
As far as what should have been done, I'm not really sure what I would have done in this situation. It's hard to really say until you are put into the actual situation itself. Kind of like saying you would have voted against something about 4 years after the fact(pun intended)
5 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Jul 08
Hello Sir Rodney,
Your wife sounds like she's one sharp cookie!
You also raise a terrific point about hypothesizing about how we might react in a similar situation. I believe that discussing such issues impresses a possible course of action into our subconscious. As such, I suspect that imaging how we might react may actually be very helpful for us. I believe that I can say with confidence, that if I had been present, I would have lifted my voice in a rendition of the real National Anthem.
If the president of the city council was not leader enough to turn off her mic, then at least any one of the hundreds in attendance could have led the crowd in a rendition of the true lyrics.
Pun -- Hmmmm, I can't imagine anyone seriously suggesting that hindsight doesn't skew the view!!! Though, you made no such reference to sincerity, did you? (chuckle, chuckle)
3 people like this
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
2 Jul 08
Oh, this makes me way beyond angry. I am fuming right now!
If she was supposed to sing the national anthem, if that is what was appropriate and expected of her, she had ABSOLUTELY NO RIGHT, artistic or otherwise, do do whatever the heck she felt like.
I am not prejudiced. I am not racist. I am not biased.
But it's crap like this that cause even folks like myself to get absolutely livid, and when we react, we're told that we have no tolerance. I say bullcrap!
If people continue to do stupid stunts like this, how can they expect to be treated equally? They are drawing attention to themselves and of course people are going to reach to what they're doing. And then we get fussed at for it.
Stupid, just stupid. I need to shut up and walk away from this computer for a minute ...
whooooooooooooooooo
4 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Jul 08
Hello Ldyjarhead,
I had to take a few deep breaths myself! So, I completely understand your need to walk away.
If the singer was justified in her bastardization of our National Anthem, then why was she compelled to keep her plan a secret until she sprung it on an unsuspecting public???
Grrrr! Like I said, it really steams me, as well!
3 people like this
@kenzie45230 (3560)
• United States
3 Jul 08
I agree. If she was supposed to sing The National Anthem, that's what she should have done. It has nothing at all to do with being racist. It has to do with what she was contracted to do.
2 people like this
@natuser28 (907)
• United States
2 Jul 08
I always thought of the national anthem to be universal ,to be respect and not a side show circus for someone to push their musical career. Yes, there have been hurtful past here in America of slavery and other antics. Even though there's still tension, we have came long way from racial discrimination.
I find it hard to believe she was sorry and didn't mean any harm. Just my opinion, someone else also plan this with her. Just a thought.
4 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Jul 08
Hello Natuser28,
Well, the lines seem to have been blurred between the sacred and the profane, eh???
I agree that we've come a very long way in our internal struggle against racism. Of course, I credit "Archie Bunker" for the greatest leaps in that regard. Who really wanted to be as ignorant as Archie?
2 people like this
@underdogtoo (9579)
• Philippines
3 Jul 08
I think that everyone has an agenda and one small thing like singing the national anthem could become a secret weapon in the hands of one with a different agenda. One would think that there is homogeneity in a community to the point that singing a national anthem would mean exactly that, the national anthem and not a different anthem. She obviously wanted to make a splash; and don't tell me about artistic expression, she can have all the artistic expression in her own bathroom and be supremely satisfied. It's just like a guest in a Superman convention taking off her cloak to reveal a Spiderman costume underneath, or some such nonsense. It sounds like a slap in the face and a dare for them to do something about it. The fact that no one did anything about it and she had the center stage to herself meant that everyone was immobilized by the brazenness of her action. I would cut off the juice to her microphone if it were me and let's see how she reacts to that, little artistic missy without volume control to her microphone.
4 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
2 Jul 08
It was a pretty stupid move on her part. What did she think it was? A talent show?
4 people like this
@TessWhite (3146)
• United States
2 Jul 08
Yes she stepped over a line. I'm not a racist, against anyone. But the national anthem isn't something that is open to "artistic expression." And as for her saying she wasn't making a political statement.... puhleeeze. Anyone who buys that, contact me, I have a bridge I can sell you.
4 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Jul 08
Hello TessWhite,
I certainly hope that no one is so gullible as to be contacting you about that bridge! Though, the tollways of our nation are a different story -- since they're open to foreign-owned operational bidding, Grrrr! Sorry, I digress!
Great point about the National Anthem being exempted from "artistic expression"!
2 people like this
@gewcew23 (8007)
• United States
2 Jul 08
Good grief what would have been so hard about finding someone who would sing the real National Anthem. You cannot convience me that all of the people that actually know how to sign the real National Anthem were busy. I found out that Mayor John Hickenlooper was not even wearing a sports coat and tie. My husband never goes anywhere important without wearing a sports coat and tie. Not that hard to find one, ever heard of a men clothing store, I am sure Denver has one. If not then I am sure you could have found an online store than sold sports coats and ties. That is just me, something called dignity for the office.
To your question;
Yeah I think the signer stept over the line. You were there to sign the real National Anthem not the black National Anthem. Even if you hate this country if you are to do something you are supposed to do it.
If she wanted to sign this new National Anthem, the black National Anthem she should have gotten this opproved first.
If I had been on the Denver City Council I would have reached over and ript the microphone out of her hand.
4 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Jul 08
Hello Gewcew,
Ah, you raise a very interesting question: "someone who would sing the real National Anthem." Yet, the singer agreed to sing the National Anthem, ... then duplicitiously duped the city.
As for the necktie: When I first moved to Santa Fe, I applied for a number of jobs. One employer told me, point blank, that he would not hire me because I didn't understand the 'feel' of the people. Which, I couldn't help but respect for its blatant honesty! People in the Southwest don't wear neckties, they wear bolo's, or no tie at all. It's similar to the island mentality of Hawaii or the Bahamas. Which, quite naturally brings me to the reminder of just how many US citizens didn't (or don't) know that New Mexico is part of the USA, and not Mexico. Believe me, the frequency of this oops is absolutely shocking!
I fully support your suggestion that someone, anyone, should have ripped that mic out of her hand, or cut her power! Great points, Gewcew!
3 people like this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
10 Jul 08
This person was asked to sing the national anthem not her version of it.
She was definitely wrong.
He should have let her continue then make it a group effort to have everyone present stand up and sing the real one.
1 person likes this
@clrumfelt (5490)
• United States
2 Jul 08
She didn't intend to make it a political statement, my foot! And since when is singing the
National Anthem an "artistic expression." She could have sang anything to the tune to express
her artistic expression. This is an affront the patriotism of the people who attended that
event. It just goes to show how far the roots of racism have dug into American soil.
@clrumfelt (5490)
• United States
2 Jul 08
I strongly doubt it was the equivalent of a "wardrobe malfunction." A "lyrics malfunction!?" Get
real. They should keep cd of the National Anthem on standby for just such an occation from now
on at all social events where it will be sung.
3 people like this
@fiona08 (454)
• United States
3 Jul 08
"She could have sang anything to the tune to express her artistic expression". . . So you would have had no problem with her singing another song's lyrics? What exactly is your problem with the song she chose? It is a completely uplifting, inspirational, peaceful song. Is it because it is nicknamed "The black national anthem"? That doesn't imply any insult to Caucasians, or to any other race of people. It is the melding of two beautiful peaces of art. Both with wonderful significance to our country, and our country's history. The dark times the lyrics speak of, were dark times for all of us, and the song speaks of rejoicing that they are in the past. Your offense, actually, goes to show "how far the roots of racism have dug into the American soil."
1 person likes this
@fiona08 (454)
• United States
3 Jul 08
First off, let me say that I think the singer should have run her plans by the people who asked her to sing. That being said, though, I think she is right about artistic expression. I have heard countless versions of the national anthem sung at public gatherings. Artists have altered every part of the song, from the melody to the tempo to the lyrics, in some cases. Marie's version was surely a more noted change because she replaced all of the words, but I think she meant it to be a positive merging of the two songs. People are all bent out of shape because the song has been called "The Black National Anthem", but I think that is silly. There is no separate nation, for one thing. That it is a mantra for African Americans, would be a more appropriate term for the song. Now, when Rosanne sang her botched version of the Star Spangled Banner, it did sound disrespectful. She started to sing, it came off poorly, and so she decided to turn it into a comedic performance. That is according to what Rosanne said during the fallout from her song. Now, I was even sympathetic to her, but I understood why people were upset and angry. In this case, if you listen to the lyrics sung by Marie, I think you will find them to be beautiful, inspiring words. They don't have to be sung only for the black people of our nation; they can be sung for all of us. They can be sung for any of us who acknowledge we have had "dark times" in our nation, and any of us who want to "raise up our voices, and rejoice" for what we have now, and what we can have. And the victory it speaks of, to me is the victory of a country united, a country of diverse people, living harmoniously. I think this version, sung beautifully, was very respectful, and not meant to cause anguish. I think we need to be angry about much more important issues that we face as a nation. Two beautiful songs, without any ill well toward anyone, are certainly not on my list of top atrocities today.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Jul 08
Hello Fiona,
I did listen to the audio recording, and I read the lyrics. I found her ego-centric substitution to be no less irreverent because of the lyrics she used.
If the singer had sought permission to turn this fiasco into a sincere moment, she could have sung the National Anthem, then followed it up with "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing". Instead, she deceptively usurped our national tradition.
If you want to give her a pass, then I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.
@fiona08 (454)
• United States
3 Jul 08
We will definitely have to agree to disagree. I read the same definition of mock that you did, and I don't think any part of what she did was mocking. I also watched the video of the meeting, and did not see any part that looked like a fiasco. It all looked very peaceful and respectful to me. I find it a little bit alarming that people pretend this is supposed to be some slam at our country, or a way to separate by race. Admitting that we have had some hard times with race relations in our country, and singing a song about those times becoming less the norm, does not belittle the United States or any of the people, of any race, within it.
@leofajohnson (141)
• United States
3 Jul 08
Hi,
As for a American, I am offended and hurt. This really steams me as well and I guess this is only the first of many shocking things to come our way. In today's world, I guess it should not shock me to read this. However it does shock me and is also hurtful. Thank you, God bless the USA leofa
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Jul 08
Hello Leofajohnson,
Welcome to MyLot! I hope you thoroughly enjoy your time here.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this issue.
As much as it saddens me to admit, I suspect that you're correct in your prediction that we'll see more of this kind of nonsense. Though, we can always hope to be wrong, eh?
@stagewhisper (901)
• United States
3 Jul 08
I think the whole thing is way overblown. Yes, she should have asked permission before altering the song; the only time she wouldn't have to would be if she was holding her own private concert. Yes, she blended the two songs together. But I really don't see why else anyone would be that upset. According to her words in the article, she didn't mean any harm by it.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Jul 08
Stagewhisper,
Well, you're certainly entitled to your opinion.
Though, I would remind us all that the our National Anthem makes repeated reference to our "land of the free and the home of the brave". Just one small part of the overall 'package' that recognizes our citizen's endowed rights. To make a mockery of it is to deride what it stands for -- what the USA stands for. Suffice it to say, her action was not only dogmatic, it contradicted the perceived intent.
She may have said that she intended no harm; though she also explicitly said that she "had no regrets", and "wouldn't change a thing". Even after she was made aware of how offensive her action was to the many, she would do it again, if given the chance. Well, at least she's honest about her sense of self importance. I can only hope that she's not provided with the opportunity to do it again. Just my two cents.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Jul 08
Hello Fiona,
Whether one "cares for" her song or not, is completely irrelevant.
If you don't perceive her action a mockery of our National Anthem, then perhaps you should refresh your memory regarding the history of the "Star Spangled Banner".
http://www.gbjann.com/anthem/history.htm
