Rene Marie Substitutes Black National Anthem For National Anthem | Lift Every Voice And Sing

Rene Marie, a noted Jazz Singer, sparked a heap of controversy by singing the Black National Anthem during Denver's State of the City address on Tuesday. She was asked to sing the National Anthem -- the Star Spangled Banner. However, without informing Mayor John Hickenlooper, Rene Marie sang the Black National Anthem -- Lift Every Voice and Sing, instead. She sang the lyrics [Lift Every Voice and Sing] to the tune of the Star Spangled Banner.

However, the problem here is that she did not sing the National Anthem. Marie didn't even ask for permission to sing a different song. She stepped behind the lecturn under the pretense of singing the National Anthem. The announcer -- who introduced her as Rene Martin -- even said that she is about to sing "our National Anthem." She surprises everyone by singing "Lift Every Voice And Sing." That is a beautiful poem written by James Weldon Johnson which was set to music by his brother, John Rosamond Johnson, in 1900. But, this is not the song she was scheduled to sing in front of Denver's City politicians.

Rene Marie, an accomplished singer, has recorded 5 albums since 2000. Also, she has performed at the Kennedy Center for the Arts in Washington, D.C.

It has been reported that she later apologized for making the switch. But, she said that she wouldn't change one thing about her performance.

Okay ... but next time (if there is a next time) ... please sing the song you are asked to sing.