Who Sings 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' at the Super Bowl

Who sings Lift Every Voice at the Super Bowl

At the Super Bowl, Lift Every Voice and Sing is most often performed by prominent African American singers, community choirs, or invited musical guests honoring the anthem’s role in American culture. Performances may feature solo artists or ensembles curated by the NFL, the stadium, or performers themselves to mark moments of reflection and unity. The song is commonly presented during Black History Month observances, pregame ceremonies, or special tributes, with lineups announced as part of event programming. Performers have included established artists in music and culture chosen to highlight the anthem’s lasting significance.

Background of Lift Every Voice and Sing

Origins and creation

Lift Every Voice and Sing was written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson in 1899 and set to music by his brother John Rosamond Johnson. It emerged from the African American community in Jacksonville, Florida, and was first performed by local schoolchildren. The song grew into a sacred text of resilience, often called the Black National Anthem, and has been woven into civil rights and cultural traditions across the United States.

Adoption by the NFL and sports

In recent years, the NFL has embraced Lift Every Voice and Sing alongside the national anthem at games and major events, reflecting a broader commitment to honoring diverse American histories. Performances at the Super Bowl are part of this effort, spotlighting the anthem at a high-profile stage to recognize unity, justice, and cultural memory. The tradition has evolved through partnerships with artists, choirs, and advocacy groups aligned with league initiatives.

Notable Super Bowl performances

While the performer can vary by year, certain presentations have drawn attention for their scale and symbolism. These moments are planned as part of halftime or pregame ceremonies, often tied to broader themes of recognition and reflection. Highlighted performances are documented in event coverage and publicized as part of the show program.

How to know who is singing each year

To find out who will sing Lift Every Voice and Sing at a given Super Bowl, consult the event program, official NFL announcements, and trusted media outlets as the date approaches. Fan and press coverage often shares snippets and preview segments, while the stadium and broadcast partners release schedules in the days before the game. Check the official Super Bowl page or the artist’s social channels for confirmed casting and set time details.

Why the anthem matters at the Super Bowl

Singing Lift Every Voice and Sing at the Super Bowl underscores the role of cultural memory in modern sports, inviting reflection on history, progress, and shared values. Its inclusion alongside the national anthem acknowledges stories and contributions often underrepresented in mainstream broadcasts. For many fans, these performances mark a powerful moment of connection, representation, and collective hope.

Frequently asked questions

• Is Lift Every Voice and Sing always performed at the Super Bowl?

No. Performances occur when the event program includes the anthem, often during themed tributes or heritage observances, but it is not guaranteed every year.

• Who chooses the performer?

Performers are typically selected through coordination among the NFL, stadium leadership, and booking teams, sometimes in partnership with artists and advocacy organizations.

• Can I watch past performances?

Yes. Broadcast archives, highlight reels, and official channels host past performances, commentary, and behind-the-scenes features for review.

Key takeaways

• The performer varies by year and is announced as part of the event schedule.
• The anthem is offered as a meaningful cultural complement to the traditional national anthem.
• Check official sources closer to the game date for the confirmed artist and set time.