On January 27, 1991 – Whitney Houston stepped behind the microphone at the Tampa Stadium, wearing a white jumpsuit and headband, with a stripped-down make-up and zero theatrical extravagance around her, to deliver the most spell-binding rendition of the American national anthem.
In the midst of the Persian Gulf War, and the ongoing security threats looming over the Super Bowl XXV game, Houston rose the patriotic fervour and a sense of hope in the countless eyes, that were watching the game and also praying for the troops sent abroad. Thus uniting an entire nation.
Assisted by the Florida Orchestra, the songstress belted out a flawless and passionate rendition of the Francis Scott Key-penned anthem, to an energetic crowd of 73,813, with American flags in their hands. Hundreds of millions, watched it from across the globe.
The performance became one of the most historic television events of all time with her version becoming the first and only Star Spangled Banner rendition to become a Billboard Hot 100 hit and a RIAA-certified platinum seller.
As 2021 marks 30 years of that historic moment in television, sports and music – the late legend’s estate has re-released the version as a single, with a new interpretation of the single-cover.
“In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Whitney’s historic “Star Spangled Banner” performance at Super Bowl XXV, the track has been re-released as a single on streaming services with an anniversary reinterpretation of the original single cover.” – the singer’s social media handles announced.
The song is now available across multiple streaming platforms – HERE.
3 decades, since this was recorded and no one has been able to top it still. With her once-in-a-lifetime vocal gift, no one ever will.