I was taken aback by that unexpected voice.
Americans hold deep reverence for certain things, and among those are the flag, veterans, and the national anthem. The Star-Spangled Banner, which served as the official anthem of the United States until 1931, derives its lyrics from the “Defence of Fort M’Henry,” a poem penned in September 1814 by an amateur poet named Francis Scott Key.
Key bore witness to the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British Royal Navy ships in Baltimore Harbor during the Battle of Baltimore. It was this historic event, coupled with the sight of the magnificent U.S. flag, that kindled the creation of the lyrics now cherished by every proud American. This anthem takes center stage before significant events, including sporting fixtures.
Recently, during a football game at Nashoba Regional High School, a sophomore named Sam Keith delivered a rendition of the anthem that quickly went viral and touched the hearts of many.
What’s truly fascinating is that this remarkably gifted singer with an enchanting voice is also a football player. Clutching the microphone and donning his jersey bearing the number 59, Sam Keith passionately belted out the iconic lyrics while holding his helmet in his hands.
There’s a unanimous consensus that Keith’s performance will become a legendary moment in the annals of Nashoba High School history.
This young man is a multifaceted talent. Beyond excelling on the football field and showcasing his vocal prowess, he’s also an actor. His videos of stage performances have garnered a substantial following. Keith has graced the stage in productions like “Footloose,” “Addams Family,” and “Les Miserables.” Following the viral video of his national anthem performance, his school shared an update, stating, “Sam has continued to perform the anthem at numerous football, soccer, and basketball games at his high school. He has nurtured his passion for singing and acting and is presently pursuing a degree in Musical Theater at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. He is a member of the class of 2021.”
Listen to his remarkable performance below, and be sure to share it with your friends.