The Super Bowl combines sports, music, and culture into one massive spectacle, making it one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. Super Bowl 59, which will take place on February 9, will see the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. While the game itself is the main attraction, the pregame performances are just as significant.
This year, Grammy-winning singer Ledisi will take center stage to perform Lift Every Voice and Sing, commonly referred to as the Black National Anthem. Ledisi, a powerhouse in R&B, jazz, and gospel music, will join other performers such as Jon Batiste, who will sing the national anthem, and Lauren Daigle with Trombone Shorty, who will perform America the Beautiful.
Who Is Ledisi?
Born Ledisi Anibade Young in New Orleans and raised in Oakland, California, the singer has built an impressive career in the music industry. With a background deeply rooted in jazz, gospel, and R&B, Ledisi has released 11 studio albums, three live albums, 36 singles, and one soundtrack. Her breakthrough came with Lost & Found (2007) and Turn Me Loose (2009), the latter earning her two Grammy nominations. Her 2011 album Pieces of Me peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot R&B chart and earned three Grammy nominations.
Ledisi won her first Grammy in 2021 for Best Traditional R&B Performance with Anything for You, a track from her album The Wild Card. Over her career, she has accumulated 46 Grammy nominations and received five honorary awards. She has also paid tribute to legendary artists, most notably Nina Simone. Her 2021 album Ledisi Sings Nina, created with the Metropole Orkest and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, was described as a “dream project” and earned her a 14th Grammy nomination. Critics praised her ability to honor Simone’s legacy while making the music her own.
Beyond music, Ledisi has acted in films like Selma (2014), where she portrayed gospel icon Mahalia Jackson, and has performed on Broadway. She has also authored books such as Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, Love and Power and Don’t Ever Lose Your Walk: How to Embrace Your Journey. Additionally, she teaches at Berklee College of Music and runs several business ventures, including Fig Street Films, Chinweya Publishing, and Listen Back Entertainment/BMG.
Also Read: How Long Is The Super Bowl Halftime Show? A Look At The Longest Halftime Performance In History
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
The Significance Of ‘Lift Every Voice And ‘Sing’ At The Super Bowl
Lift Every Voice and Sing has a long and profound history. James Weldon Johnson originally wrote it as a poem in 1899, and his brother John Rosamond Johnson set it to music in 1905. A choir of 500 Black students at a segregated school in Florida first performed it, and the NAACP later adopted it as its official song in 1919. The anthem became a symbol of hope within the Black community.
The NFL first incorporated Lift Every Voice and Sing into its pregame ceremonies in 2020, following nationwide protests against racial injustice after the killing of George Floyd. The decision led to both praise and controversy. Supporters view the inclusion as an important acknowledgment of Black history and culture, while many argue that having two national anthems creates division. Previous Super Bowl performers of the anthem include Alicia Keys, Mary Mary, and Andra Day.
Ledisi’s performance at Super Bowl 59 will be particularly meaningful, as she is a native of New Orleans, where the game is being held. Her rendition will be a powerful moment of cultural significance, continuing the conversation about racial equity and representation in the NFL.
Also Read: When Did Kendrick Lamar Perform At The NFL Super Bowl? Find Out
