O C T O B E R 1 7 , 1 9 6 8 : T O D A Y I N M U S I C H I S T O R Y
1 9 6 8 : On this date, October 17, RCA Records released Jose Feliciano’s rendition of the national anthem. Suggested by Detroit Tigers’ broadcaster Ernie Harwell that Feliciano perform the national anthem at Tiger Stadium, Detroit, before game 5 of the 1968 World Series (October 7), Feliciano instead sang his version of The Star Spangled Banner — away from the anthem’s traditional chords in “bluesy-like” fashion — thereafter drawing an immediate firestorm which the singer to this day has laid claim, that event alone, nearly ruined his career. Five weeks on the singles chart, the recording peaked at No. 50 on Billboard, November 30, 1968.
Today In Pop Music History: October 17, 1968
THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER * Jose Feliciano * RCA Records (1968)
