8 Iconic Lift Every Voice and Sing Performances That Made History

Lift Every Voice and Sing performances have long resonated as powerful anthems of hope, resilience, and unity, echoing through pivotal moments in Black history and American culture. Often dubbed the "Black National Anthem," this hymn—penned by James Weldon Johnson and set to music by his brother J. Rosamond Johnson in 1900—carries a legacy that transcends time. From its humble origins to its commanding presence on some of the world’s biggest stages, the song has stirred souls and sparked movements. Let’s dive into ten unforgettable performances that didn’t just make history—they shaped it. Ready to feel the chills? Let’s go!

1. Wattstax 1972: Kim Weston’s Soulful Stand

Fast forward to August 20, 1972, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Wattstax festival—think Woodstock with soul—was a celebration of Black pride amid the civil rights struggle. Kim Weston took the stage, her voice soaring over 100,000 attendees as she delivered one of the most electrifying Lift Every Voice and Sing performances ever. With the crowd swaying and fists raised, Weston’s rendition transformed the hymn into a rallying cry for a generation demanding justice. It was gritty, it was real, and it cemented the song’s place in the fight for equality. You can almost feel the heat of that summer day in every powerful verse.

2. Super Bowl LV: Alicia Keys’ Cinematic Moment (2021)

The Super Bowl isn’t just about football—it’s a cultural juggernaut. On February 7, 2021, Alicia Keys brought "Lift Every Voice and Sing" to Super Bowl LV in a pre-recorded masterpiece filmed at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Dressed in regal purple, her voice soared with a blend of grace and grit, backed by sweeping visuals. This marked one of the earliest high-profile Lift Every Voice and Sing performances at the NFL’s biggest game, part of a league push to embrace social justice after the 2020 George Floyd protests. Keys didn’t just sing—she channeled a movement, making the anthem a centerpiece of America’s biggest stage.

3. Super Bowl LVII: Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Field-Defining Glory (2023)

Two years later, Sheryl Lee Ralph took it up a notch. On February 12, 2023, at Super Bowl LVII, she became the first to perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing" live on the field. Clad in a striking red jumpsuit, the Abbott Elementary star belted out the hymn with a commanding presence that stopped everyone in their tracks. The timing? Perfect—exactly 123 years after its debut. Ralph’s performance wasn’t just a show; it was a celebration of Black resilience under the brightest lights. Critics griped, but for millions watching, it was a moment of unapologetic pride.

4. Lift Every Voice – Kirk Franklin (2020)

In 2020, gospel icon Kirk Franklin reimagined Lift Every Voice and Sing with his signature fusion of contemporary gospel, R&B, and uplifting choir arrangements. Released under Fo Yo Soul Recordings, Lift Every Voice became a stirring anthem, blending rich harmonies, soulful instrumentation, and an infectious energy that only Franklin could deliver. The track featured a powerful choir, adding depth and emotion to the hymn’s already profound lyrics.

With handclaps, soaring vocals, and Franklin’s signature ad-libs, this version transformed the traditional hymn into a modern celebration of faith, unity, and resilience. Released in a year marked by social movements and calls for justice, Franklin’s rendition resonated deeply, offering both hope and inspiration to listeners. His ability to bridge gospel traditions with contemporary sound ensured that Lift Every Voice remained not just a song of the past but a powerful anthem for the present.

5. Super Bowl LIX: Ledisi and a New Orleans Choir (2025)

Let’s zoom to February 9, 2025, at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Grammy winner Ledisi, a hometown hero, stood atop a pedestal in a flowing white gown, joined by 125 high school students in golden robes. Together, they delivered one of the most soul-stirring Lift Every Voice and Sing performances yet, celebrating the hymn’s 125th anniversary. The Caesars Superdome pulsed with energy as Ledisi’s powerhouse vocals met the youthful choir’s harmony. It was a love letter to Black history, delivered in a city that knows resilience like no other. Talk about a homecoming!

6. Coachella 2018: Beyoncé’s Homecoming Tribute

Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella set—aka "Beychella"—was a cultural earthquake. Amid her two-hour celebration of Black excellence, she wove "Lift Every Voice and Sing" into the opening of her Homecoming performance. With a marching band and choir amplifying the moment, Beyoncé didn’t just sing—she reclaimed the anthem for a new generation. Broadcast to millions, this snippet turned a festival stage into a history lesson, blending pop stardom with deep-rooted pride. It was bold, it was brilliant, and it showed how the song could shine in unexpected places.

7. Macy’s 4th of July Spectacular: Jazmine Sullivan’s Soul-Stirring Performance (2023)

On July 4, 2023, Grammy Award-winning powerhouse Jazmine Sullivan delivered a breathtaking performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing during the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. Standing against the backdrop of the New York City skyline, Sullivan’s rich, emotive vocals brought a new depth to the historic hymn, captivating viewers nationwide.

Dressed in a flowing ensemble, she delivered each note with raw emotion and vocal mastery, making every lyric resonate with the weight of history and hope. As the fireworks painted the night sky, Sullivan’s performance became a defining moment of the celebration, blending patriotism with a tribute to Black resilience and cultural pride. It was more than just a song—it was a powerful declaration of unity, freedom, and perseverance, solidifying her place among the most unforgettable renditions of the hymn.

8. Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s Powerful Rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing"

Gospel powerhouse Tasha Cobbs Leonard delivers a soul-stirring, worshipful rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing in her official performance video. With rich harmonies and heartfelt emotion, she transforms the hymn into a powerful gospel anthem, blending reverence, faith, and resilience. More than a performance, it’s a celebration of Black heritage and spiritual triumph.

The Anthem’s Enduring Echo

These ten Lift Every Voice and Sing performances aren’t just moments in time—they’re chapters in a story of struggle, triumph, and unyielding spirit. From a schoolyard in 1900 to the Super Bowl’s roaring crowds, the hymn has carried Black voices through pain and progress. It’s graced inaugurations, protests, and award shows, each rendition a testament to its power. Whether sung by a choir of kids or a superstar under stadium lights, it remains a symbol of resilience that speaks to all who hear it.

So why does it still hit so hard? Because "Lift Every Voice and Sing" isn’t just a song—it’s a lifeline. It’s the sound of ancestors marching on, of communities rising up, of hope refusing to fade. Every performance, big or small, adds to its legacy, reminding us that history isn’t static—it’s alive, pulsing through every note. Next time you hear it, don’t just listen. Feel it. Let it lift you, too.

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