LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Grammy Award- and Blues Music Award-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band will sing the National Anthem before the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby on May 2.
In a news release Wednesday, Churchill Downs said the band will take the stage just after 5 p.m. to perform a rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
"Tedeschi Trucks Band's soulful sound and remarkable vocal presence make them an exciting addition to this year's Kentucky Derby," Churchill Downs President Mike Anderson said in a news release. "We're thrilled to welcome them to Churchill Downs and know their performance will capture the energy, emotion, and spirit that define Derby Day."
The band consists of Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi in a 12-piece ensemble. They recently released their sixth studio album "Future Soul." They won a Grammy in 2012 for Best Blues Album and have been nominated for several Blues Music Awards and Americana Music Association awards.
Trucks and Tedeschi said performing at this year's Derby is "a true honor."
"We're thrilled to be invited and grateful for the opportunity to perform at such an iconic event," they said in a news release.
Tedeschi Trucks Band follows in the footsteps of artists who have performed the anthem at the Kentucky Derby, including:
- Wynonna Judd (2024)
- Carly Pearce (2023)
- Brittney Spencer (2022)
- Tori Kelly (2021)
- Jennifer Nettles (2019)
- Pentatonix (2018)
- Harry Connick Jr. (2017)
- Lady A (2016)
- Josh Groban (2015)
- Jo Dee Messina (2014)
- Martina McBride (2013)
- Mary J. Blige (2012)
- Jordin Sparks (2011)
- Rascal Flatts (2010)
- LeAnn Rimes (2009)
Tedeschi Trucks Band is currently touring the U.S. for their new album, with performances at Bonnaroo and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on the lineup. To learn more about the band and the tour, click here.
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