Viral Anthem Singer Martha Reeves Is Actually A Legend

Last night, the Women's Professional Baseball League debuted with a rendition of the National Anthem that went viral for how badly the singer performed it. It was bad, and the players looked like they were trying not to laugh. It was objectively worse than Carl Lewis and Fergie. The singer, Martha Reeves, though, should have our respect as she is a legend who is now 85; she was once among the most transformative singers of the rock ' n ' roll era. 

Six decades ago, Martha Reeves was one of the top artists on the Motown label, leading her band Martha and the Vandellas. Not many kids today know of Martha and the Vandellas, but you have heard her music. She had numerous hits that have been used in films and commercials. Two of her songs, "Heat Wave" and "Dancing in the Street," are considered among the 500 songs that shaped modern music. In addition, Martha and the Vandellas were inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

Here is one of her other hits, "Nowhere to Run," which always seems to be used during a movie showing Vietnam. While it is impossible not to laugh at the anthem that she performed last night in Springfield, Illinois, it is also worth noting that Martha Reeves was not someone picked at random to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner." Eventually we all get old and lose our touch. Some legends die young, but a legend just the same Martha Reeves is, even though at 85 she should save the singing for others.