A jazz singer shocked some Denver residents after replacing the words to the national anthem with those of the "Black National Anthem" during the annual State... more

A jazz singer shocked some Denver residents after replacing the words to the national anthem with those of the "Black National Anthem" during the annual State of the City address this week. Rene Marie was asked to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" before Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper delivered the annual address on Tuesday. Instead, she sang the lyrics of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" — a hymn commonly referred to as the "Black National Anthem" — to the tune of the national anthem. "If anyone has got a right to be angry it's probably me," Hickenlooper told the station. "I guess what I feel most is just deeply disappointed." The mayor said only Marie, her husband and a musical adviser knew what the local jazz singer had in mind. "What she said was that she was very sorry, that she meant no disrespect, that she was trying to make a creative expression of her love for the country," Hickenlooper said. But the change in lyrics angered many residents, including City Councilman Charlie Brown. "I was mad, I almost walked off the stage." less

On June 28, 2008 all across the country, Obama supporters and those tired of the politics of the past joined together to build the movement for change.

On June 28, 2008 all across the country, Obama supporters and those tired of the politics of the past joined together to build the movement for change. less

The National playing "Fake Empire" on Letterman. From July 24, 2007.

The National playing "Fake Empire" on Letterman. From July 24, 2007. less

This is the video for "Mistaken For Strangers", directed by Thread-Count. This is the first single for The National's acclaimed album, Boxer. More information can be found at www.americanmary.com.

This is the video for "Mistaken For Strangers", directed by Thread-Count. This is the first single for The National's acclaimed album, Boxer. More information can be found at www.americanmary.com. less

Music video for The National's "Apartment Story" off their Boxer release.

Music video for The National's "Apartment Story" off their Boxer release. less

yay, my favorite song on boxer from AOL

yay, my favorite song on boxer from AOL less

A video put together to the National's song, Fake Empire.

A video put together to the National's song, Fake Empire. less

Video For "Abel" by The National

Video For "Abel" by The National less

of off the upcoming album Boxer

of off the upcoming album Boxer less

Marvin Gaye sings the american national anthem at 1983 NBA All Star Game. Best. Version. Ever.

Marvin Gaye sings the american national anthem at 1983 NBA All Star Game. Best. Version. Ever. less