These days, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is the greatest pop song out there.

I just heard the Yankees won the World Series. I was born without a sports gene, so these things sometimes get past me. In fact, the only reason I watch sports at all is to hear the national anthem. The song is a bitch to sing, and I love the high-wire act it creates. Some singers get across to the other side, while others fall into the abyss. A brief history of the song:

Amateur poet Francis Scott Key composed the words after witnessing a battle during the War of 1812. The lyrics were set to the music of a popular drinking tune by John Stafford Smith and voila, "The Star-Spangled Banner" was born — a song that embodies two of our favorite pastimes: war and beer. Members of Congress in 1931 passed a resolution making it our national anthem. Some of them were probably drunk at the time.


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It only makes sense that the song would become integral to another national pastime: "The Star-Spangled Banner" has been sung at the start of every baseball game since World War II. Then, of course, the NBA, NFL, NHL, and NASCAR got in on the act. Now every sports event must have a rendition before the games can begin.

This is good news for singers. What began as a moment to celebrate national unity and patriotism has now become a high-profile marketing tool available to the highest bidder (or television ratings draw). Got a new album to promote? Sing at the World Series. Want millions of people to know about your new TV show? See you on the 50-yard line during the Super Bowl (that's what they call it, right?).

But publicity mongers be forewarned: singing the national anthem is not for amateurs. It's short, but it travels a lot of ground through one-and-a-half octaves. In the hands of an amateur, the song can can turn a celebrity into a national joke (remember Roseanne's 1990 debacle?).



However, in the hands of a professional, "The Star Spangled Banner" is the best pop song going. Here are some masterful renditions. They're almost enough to make me give a damn about the game that follows.

Cast of "Glee" - Game 3 of 2009 World Series

Amber Riley can do no wrong. Not only can she kill with the Jill Scott covers (her version of "Hate on Me" is bliss), but she also knows how to give "The Star-Spangled Banner" some soul. Sure, it was the crassest of incestuous marketing moves (Fox airs "Glee" and the World Series), but it was cool music, too.



Marvin Gaye - 1983 NBA All-Star Game

The Motown legend was in the middle of a comeback when he sang the anthem at Los Angeles' Forum. He reportedly had a shaky rehearsal and showed up late on game day. His rendition was the first time the vocal had been reinvented so dramatically. It was a groundbreaking performance, and it remains one of his most memorable. One year later, Gaye would be dead — shot by his own father.



Whitney Houston - Super Bowl XXV

Before Bobby Brown got a hold of her, Whitney Houston was America's darling and the perfect choice to open the 1991 Super Bowl. Houston was backed by a full orchestra and followed by an F-16 fighter jet fly-over. Her performance was stirring stuff — so good that it was released as a single, which peaked at #20 on the charts. Whitney peaked soon after.



Any "American Idol" Winner - Any Sporting Event (aired on Fox)

"The Star-Spangled Banner" was made for Fox's "American Idol" singers. The song is custom fit for the vocal showboating that "Idol" singers do so well. Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks — take your pick. They all nail it, and you can count on Fox to keep trotting out the Idols for every sports game they air.







Jimi Hendrix - Woodstock

It wasn't a sporting event (unless you consider dropping acid a test of endurance), and the lyrics weren't sung, but it's arguably the most awe-inspiring performance of our national anthem ever. Hendrix's Strat smokes and sparks with every rocket's red glare. It's patriotism as high art.