Ah, the Fourth of July. The day that we Americans celebrate our independence from the British. The day we celebrate our freedom. I read an article the other day talking about how we've made it more about the date instead of the actual reason for the holiday. We do that with a lot of things. That writer argued that we should get back to calling it what it is: Independence Day. It's a valid point. After all, people gave their lives for the sake of freedom. Freedom that we still enjoy today, freedom that some would try to take away from us. All the more reason to remember the significance of the day. It's not about the fireworks or the food. Not that there's anything wrong with either of those. There isn't. They're some of the ways we celebrate; not what we celebrate. Note the distinction.
These days it sometimes seems like a crime to have pride in your country and that is a crying shame. I would hope that everyone would be proud of their country, be they my fellow Americans or otherwise. It's okay to love your country. I promise. Tomorrow, I hope that all Americans take a moment to reflect on what it means to be an American. What it means to be free. What it took for us to become free. What it takes to keep us free. Take a moment - shoot, take several - to remember and honor our wonderful veterans. To be grateful for their sacrifices. For the sacrifices that are active service men and women make every day. The sacrifices their families make. May they never be forgotten and may God keep them and theirs safe.
Need some help with your patriotism? Never fear, Home Free is here with their stunning rendition of the Lee Greenwood classic "God Bless the USA". This has got to be one of the most beautiful cover of theirs and that is saying something. The video for which has been a long time coming, considering that founding member Chris Rupp did the arrangement 16 years ago. He did an outstanding job arranging it and the group did an outstanding job singing it. I'm so happy that Chris is in this video; it's so fitting.
Watch.
I thought it was practically impossible for anyone to ever top Lee Greenwood's version, but Home Free's done it. Not terribly surprising; this song definitely plays to their strengths. In fact, it's songs like this that highlight how fantastic they are. In watching the video for who knows what time by now, I'm struggling with what I can possibly say to do it justice. They sell themselves, but I'm going to try my best. Starting off with the member that I inadvertently failed to single out in my last Home Free post. The high tenor of Home Free, Mr. Austin Brown.
I've said it before. Some people are blessed with golden throats and Austin is one of them. His voice has such a beautiful and clear tone to it that makes it an absolute joy to listen to. It's such a pure sound. His vocal runs are so smooth, so controlled, without being over the top. I always love when he fully opens up for the bigger notes like he does near the end. "God Bless the USA" is such a wonderful song to showcase how good his voice is. I could listen to Austin sing anything and do so quite happily. Beautiful, beautiful voice.
Not that any of the other guys in the group are slouches themselves. That's what makes Home Free such a strong vocal group; they all have great voices. We start off with Austin's crystal clear tenor and then Chris starts off the next verse in that lovely baritone of his. I must admit that this video made me heart twinge with a hint of sadness that Chris has moved on from the group, even though I know it's for the best and I've been loving what they've all done since. Once again, I find myself overcome with gratitude for Chris and his vision in creating Home Free so many years ago and his determination to keep it going all this time. Home Free wouldn't exist without him and I know that my fellow Home Fries will agree with me when I say that I'll always love and respect for everything he brought to the group. By now that twinge of sadness has turned into a fount of joy because he's the reason why this beautiful cover exists. I know I said it already, but I'm so glad that he's in this video.
Of course, this gorgeous cover wouldn't be anywhere near as beautiful if it weren't for the contributions of Tim Foust and Rob Lundquist. As a native of Texas, it's only right that Tim would get the lines about Texas. Plus his rich bass makes for a nice bridge between Chris and Rob's soulful tenor. Rob is another member of the people I could listen to sing anything club. I love his voice so. Oh, who am I kidding? I love all their voices. Especially when they all come together to create those incredible harmonies of theirs.
And, because I do not want to leave anyone out this time, this video also does a great job of highlighting just how talented vocal percussionist Adam Rupp is. I feel like I say this every time I write about Adam, but different songs show off his talent in different ways. He's a member of the percussionists who do exactly what the song requires club. Man, my club names need some serious work. Adam's such a powerhouse; he could easily overpower the vocals, but he doesn't. The percussion is there, driving the song along, but in an almost gentle kind of way. I love when he's doing the more traditional, shall we say, drum part with the hand movements to match. He's good at that.
Nice touch at the end with the Abraham Lincoln quote. I truly hope that Lee Greenwood either has already seen or will see this because I would say that they did both Lee and the song proud. No question. It's just something to go from this after watching their infectious cover of "Can't Stop the Feeling". These guys can sing anything and consistently prove it. They make me so proud to be a fan of theirs. And yes, proud to be an American. Well, prouder to be an American. I told you this would help increase your patriotic feels. Not in those exact words, perhaps, but you know what I mean.
Happy Independence Day everyone!
Happy Independence Day everyone!
Keep up with the talented men of Home Free in the following places:
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