Just in time for Black History Month (and the upcoming Super Bowl), ESPN invites soulful crooner Leon Bridges to reimagine the "Star Spangled Banner." The anthem has seen a soulful makeover many times before (Whitney Houston or Marvin Gaye being our favorite re-dos), and now Leon adds his own special spin to it. Accompanied by an organ, the Texas-bred crooner belts out the classic in 6/8ths time, where his comfort zone lies. The result is a bare-bones, gospel-like hymn that strays a good distance away from the original we memorized in grade school.
In an interview with ESPN, Leon describes the original as "straight forward" and "cheesy," so the new version is more his speed. "This is the first time I sang the National Anthem outside of school," Leon also says in the second video, as he talks about his version and explains his approach. The new rendition is included in a six-part series featured on ESPN called The Anthem project. The series will feature contemporary artists' take on legendary protest songs and civil rights standards. The overall project comes at a pivotal time when patriotism is a trending topic, so while you swim in your thoughts on the state of the country, watch Leon give his take through song.
