Josh Turner Brings ‘God Bless America’ to MLB All-Star Game [Watch]
Josh Turner took the mic on the field of Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark on Tuesday (July 14) during the MLB All-Star game to belt a moving rendition of “God Bless America” for fans both in the stands and around the world watching it on live television.
Turner looked a bit nervous as he stood at the mic being introduced during the seventh inning stretch, taking a deep breath before starting the first note, but then his deep voice rang true as he sang the iconic patriotic tune with reverence and his classic country style. Some fans sang along, while many were silent for the earnest performance.
"For me, I'm a proud American," a very bearded Turner said at the event (quote via the MLB). "I'm a patriot, and I come from a military heritage. I didn't have to serve, myself, but I'm pretty proud of the heritage that I come from. So for me, in my mind, coming out to sing the 'Star Spangled Banner' or 'God Bless America' or something like that is kind of my way of serving and honoring those men and women who are fighting every day to keep us free and allowing us to play this great game of baseball, too."
The platinum-selling artist was wearing a National League jersey with his name on the back.
Turner is on the road this summer, including several fairs and festival appearances. It’s been more than a decade since his debut with “Long Black Train” in 2003, but the singer is constantly evolving his style and keeping his career lively. Last year, the father of four boys released a book of short stories from his life called Man Stuff: Thoughts on Faith, Family and Fatherhood, and followed it up in the fall with his latest single “Lay Low” of his upcoming album, which has yet to be slated for release. Taste of Country got to go behind the scenes of the making of the video for “Lay Low" — check it out here!
See Country Artists Wearing the American Flag