Arnold McCuller & Jerry Marotta - "Star Spangled Banner" 9/11 Tribute Video

Arnold McCuller and Jerry Marotta Release New Rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" Featuring Rare Second and Fourth Verses

Celebrated vocalist Arnold McCuller and renowned drummer and producer Jerry Marotta have collaborated on a powerful new recording of The Star Spangled Banner, highlighting the rarely performed second and fourth verses of the U.S. national anthem. Inspired by McCuller's memorable 2002 performance of the fourth verse in The Sum of All Fears, the new rendition is a fresh take on this patriotic classic, anchored by Marotta's inventive percussion-based arrangement.

Following a fan’s inquiry about where to hear the full version of McCuller’s rendition from the film, the two musicians set out to reimagine the song in the spirit of that performance. Marotta’s arrangement combines various drumming styles, infusing the anthem with energy and depth, while staying true to its solemn and powerful message. In addition to McCuller’s stirring vocals and Marotta’s innovative percussion, the track features Ariel Shafir and Doug Stringer on marching snare drums.

While many Americans are familiar with the anthem’s first verse, fewer know that it is part of a longer poem, Defence of Fort M'Henry, written by Francis Scott Key. McCuller chose to record only the first, second, and fourth verses, omitting the controversial third stanza due to its references to slavery. McCuller, a black American, declined to perform the third verse, which includes the lines “No refuge could save the hireling and slave,” finding it contrary to the values of unity and freedom that the anthem represents today.

As the country moves toward another Presidential election, McCuller hopes to remind listeners that patriotism transcends political lines. “The anthem and the flag belong to all Americans, regardless of their political beliefs,” McCuller & Marotta state. “This song is about coming together and celebrating the values that unite us.”

Produced by Jerry Marotta, with additional arrangement by A.J. Chippero and Ariel Shafir. Ariel Shafir also served as the sound engineer and mixer for the recording sessions, while the vocal tracks were mixed by Matt Cusson. The song was mastered by John Valesio and will be available through Trey Gunn's 7D Media record label.