May 26, 2009

NHL National Anthems: The Final Four

This post is for my 3-year-old daughter, who stays up late each night so that she can watch the anthems. Her favourite is Jeff Jimmerson, with Katherine Fritsch a close second.

The final four national anthem singers in the 2009 playoffs -- 2 guys, 2 gals, 4 different styles, all great singers.

  1. Pittsburgh Penguins - Jeff Jimmerson
    First performance for the Pens was in December 1990. Has been a regular with the Pens since the mid 1990s. Performs in local band Airborne. Appeared in the film "Sudden Death", playing himself.
    Video: Youtube
    Article: Anthem singer fires up Mellon crowd (TribLIVE)
    Other: Jeff Jimmerson Fan Club via Facebook

  2. Carolina Hurricanes - Katherine Fritsch
    10 years old, in her second season with the Hurricanes. First sang with the 'Canes back in 2006-07. Took over from Holly Wilver, a former Hurricanes Storm Squad member. Discovered by 'Canes staff at the Jimmy V Junior Golf Classic. Wants to be a vet when she grows up.

    Video: Youtube
    Articles: NC Spin Online, Canes Country

  3. Detroit Red Wings - Karen Newman
    Has been singing with the Red Wings for over 15 years. Before that she was a multiple winner on Ed McMahon's Star Search, sang backup with Kid Rock and Bob Seger. Has released a few cd's, including a holiday album. Was once a hairstylist and has a twin sister, Kathy.

    Video: MySpace
    Articles: Wikipedia, Kukla's Korner
    Other: Karen on Facebook, Karen on Myspace

  4. Chicago Blackhawks - Jim Cornelison (singer) & Frank Pellico (organist)
    From NHL.com: "Chicago's anthem tradition began during the 1985 conference finals against Edmonton. After dropping the first two games of the series on the road, Hawks fans entered Chicago Stadium on May 9 fully energized and ready to help their team get back into the series. The crowd was so excited they cheered all the way through the National Anthem — and the tradition stuck."

    Jim Cornelison is a former professional opera singer, coaches basketball in his spare time, and is currently a real estate agent in Chicago with Rubloff Residential Properties. He's been a professional singer since 1993. Sung off-and-on with the Blackhawks since 1995. Has been the full-time singer for the Hawks since the start of the 2008-09 season.

    Pellico is 66 years old and has been playing the organ for the Blackhawks since 1991. He's also played for the Chicago Cubs. He plays a custom-designed Allen organ, installed in the United Centre to replicate the original Barton organ at Chicago Stadium. Cool link: Pellico & roller rinks.

    Articles: Jim Cornelison, Frank Pellico
    Video: Anthem, A night in the life of Jim, Frank Pellico, Blackhawks organist
    Also: Jim's YouTube channel (includes full bio + videos)

1 comment:

Rebeca said...

Jeff Jimmerson (who frequently sings the national anthem at the Penguin’s games) with Kim Alexander has one hot band – Airborne. It was one hopping evening of dancing and fun.