07/04/2026
The first song I ever learned to sing was "The Star-Spangled Banner."
When I was in fifth grade, my elementary school music teacher, Mrs. Broadway, challenged every student in our class to learn the words to our National Anthem and to truly understand the meaning behind them. She believed it was important for us to appreciate the sacrifice, perseverance, and love of country that those words represent.
That lesson stayed with me.
In 1988, I was given the incredible honor of singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at a basketball game in my hometown high school gymnasium. Decades later, I was invited back to that very same gym to sing it again for our high school's basketball homecoming game.
Standing there brought back so many memories and reminded me that some lessons, some places, and some people shape us for a lifetime.
As we celebrate Independence Day and America's 250th birthday, I wanted to share this special performance with all of you. It's my small tribute to our country, to a remarkable teacher who made a lasting impact on my life, and to the values and traditions that connect generations of Americans.
https://youtube.com/shorts/I-st-zomKpo?feature=share
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and meaningful Fourth of July. Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸
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