Remember When: James Earl Jones Delivered a Memorable Version of the National Anthem at the 1993 MLB All-Star Game

There is only so many ways an artist can perform the national anthem. If you get too wild with your rendition, you’re subject to more than a few nasty comments. However, there is one person that opted to take a big risk with his version of “The Star-Spangled Banner”: James Earl Jones. The late, great actor kicked off the 1993 MLB All-Star game with the titular song, but with a spoken-word twist. Revisit the moment, below.

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Remember When: James Earl Jones Delivered a Memorable Version of the National Anthem at the 1993 MLB All-Star Game

Backed by a rich chorus of vocalists, Jones delivered one of the most unique versions of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in recent memory. He made use of his instantly recognizable voice to interpret this song as a powerful spoken-word poem.

O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
O’er the ramparts we watch’d were so gallantly streaming?

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Jones’ version laid bare the emotional core behind this familiar tune. When a song is that ubiquitous it can begin to lose its meaning. Jones reminded listeners of why we sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” in the first place. The sentiments of perseverance, strength, and prosperity came to the forefront.

And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there,
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

His skillset as an actor came in handy here. Towards the end of his recitation, Jones ramped up his intensity, driving home the meaning behind the tune. The chorus followed his example, delivering the final, powerful notes alongside a flashy firework show.

As the MLB pointed out in their post commemorating the moment, Jones appeared in many baseball-centric movies, including “Field of Dreams” and “The Sandlot.” His part of those films make his performance of the national anthem at the MLB All-Star game all the more moving. Revisit the moment, below.

Jones–known for his portrayals of Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King–passed away on September 9, 2024 at 93-years-old. He excelled in many areas including voice-over work and acting. His list of accolades is lengthy including multiple Emmys, a Golden Globe, multiple Tony Awards, and the National Medal of Arts.

(Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)