Joshua Ray Walker Gets National TV Opp Singing National Anthem
Go Joshua Ray Walker!
Sunday, October 24th was the running of the United States’ only stop on the Formula 1 racing series at the Circuit of the Americas just outside of Austin, TX, and none other than Dallas native and reigning Saving Country Music Song of the Year winner Joshua Ray Walker sang the National Anthem.
While some were gobsmacked to see one of their favorite up-and-coming independent country artists unexpectedly on their screen, other folks were taking to Google to figure out who this guy was with his cowboy hat placed over his heart, yellow roses of Texas adorning his shoulders, and a Texas warble in his voice.
Joshua Ray Walker nailed the performance of course. As his fans know, along with being a top-flight songwriter, Walker might have one of the best voices going in country music. He was able to work in some twang in the performance, and then busted out his signature yodel near the end, with the crowd going wild. Aside from some wind cutting out the microphone in a couple of spots, it was a flawless rendition.
Joshua Ray Walker just released his third studio album, and the last in a trilogy called See You Next Time on October 8th. Walker was part of a gang of multiple local independent Texas artists that Circuit of the Americas made sure to highlight as part of the festivities. San Antonio’s Garrett T. Capps who also just released a record, and Austin’s Mayeux & Broussard also performed on the weekend.
As Saving Country Music highlighted earlier this year, singing the National Anthem in a prominent spot can be an important stepping stone in a singer’s career, with Reba McEntire and others getting their first dash of national recognition from the opportunity. We probably shouldn’t expect Joshua Ray Walker to start selling out arenas all of a sudden, but it is cool to see an independent artist with a voice worthy for national recognition receive that opportunity.
October 24, 2021 @ 5:43 pm
Minor correction, this is one of two North American races this year as they will be in Mexico in 2 weeks.
October 24, 2021 @ 5:46 pm
I looked up that point specifically, and they’re still selling this as the only North American F1 race. I think most consider North America as the United States and Canada, and Mexico as Central America. But, y’all argue amongst yourselves.
October 24, 2021 @ 6:02 pm
Central America is not a continent, but a region I suppose.
Mexico is certainly a part of continental North America.
But this just distracts from the point of the article.
October 24, 2021 @ 6:07 pm
Just updated it to “United States.”
October 24, 2021 @ 6:28 pm
Stilll sooooo damn salty he magically had to cancel a week before I planned to see him in IL. I assume covid restrictions here in the state forced a cancel and it’s a shame! I understand the issue from both sides but damn… can’t wait till I can start catching shows again on a more regular basis. I’ll be catching him soon!
October 24, 2021 @ 9:31 pm
He fuckin nailed it good for him!!! I was going to go see him at the Law Office Pub before it was canceled.
October 24, 2021 @ 6:56 pm
GREAT JOB, JOSHUA!!!
🇺🇸♥️
October 24, 2021 @ 6:58 pm
Patriotism is stupid. I’m not a fan of flags and all that crap. But geez, he nailed it.
October 24, 2021 @ 7:18 pm
You’re stupid. I’m proud to be an American, and I’m a big fan of our nation’s flag. Take that shit down to Rolling Stone.
October 24, 2021 @ 7:28 pm
Do you have an opinion about the song? Also GFY
October 25, 2021 @ 10:55 am
Patriotism is Great
October 25, 2021 @ 1:20 pm
Patriotism is the conviction that your country is superior to all others, because you were born in it!
October 25, 2021 @ 2:58 pm
Patriotism doesn’t mean you think your county is superior to all others. I know there are many ‘patriots’ who think that way; but you won’t find that definition when looking up patriotism. It’s more about being proud of, loving, and supporting your country. I think it’s ridiculous to say the US is the best country in the world; however, despite some of the founding father’s faults; they created one of the best models for government to work for the people at the time. That’s obviously been fucked up with corruption, greed, and the desire to be in power. But I feel sorry for any American who can’t appreciate our founding, those who fought for the county or dedicated their lives to public service for the country, what we at least say we stand for, and appreciate the freedom we still have. I think our last president spat in the face of all that, and this last year is only slightly better, so obviously there’s some work to do; but I could never imagine saying patriotism is stupid.
October 25, 2021 @ 3:04 pm
Umm . . . not exactly, Marcell.
What IS true, however, is that the United States of America IS superior to all other nations, and will remain so as long as we can put a stop to immigration.
October 25, 2021 @ 10:06 pm
Show me on the dolly where the illegal immigrant touched you, “Big Tex”.
October 25, 2021 @ 5:56 pm
Patriotism is employees and contractors, loading up and convoying to areas hard hit by hurricanes, to help restore power. Working tirelessly, to get things up and running.
Just one example.
October 24, 2021 @ 7:07 pm
I will also say that it depends on who sings it. Not every one can sing this song..this guy does a good job. I like Eric church. But did not like him singing the anthem. George strait. The oaks, dolly parton all do a great job. It just depends on the person with me.
October 25, 2021 @ 5:06 am
Nothing gets me as bored as F1 but Joshua is the man.
October 25, 2021 @ 7:10 am
NAILED IT ???!!!
You people are deaf.
THE SUPER FAT ? GUY ? DID NOTHING BUT BLOW THE SACRED SONG TO BITS.
DO YOU IDIOTS EVEN KNOW THE WORDS YOURSELVES?
?BROAD STRIPES AND BROAD STARS?
THE WORLD HAS GONE TO CRAP.
CD
October 25, 2021 @ 7:37 am
Go kiss a duck.
Joshua Ray Walker nailed it.
October 25, 2021 @ 9:18 am
I was actually at the F1 race and got to watch that performance live. He nailed it! He played at Austin’s Continental Club the night before to a packed house, sang the National anthem the next day, and then played a show after the race at the track. He’s the Real Deal!
October 25, 2021 @ 12:02 pm
Yes nailed it. That was a simple, straightforward rendition of that song. As it should be. Kudos in my opinion.
October 25, 2021 @ 8:25 am
He did a fine job imo.
Props to him on getting some exposure.
October 25, 2021 @ 8:30 am
I was there and watching a bunch of skinny black-jean-wearing Europeans high-fiving each other after Josh sang said it all. It wasn’t perfect but neither is our Country. But both sure are pretty fucking great!!! Joshua Ray has big balls of steel singing that incredibly tough song with Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, F1 drivers and a bunch of celebrities standing just feet away…never mind the parachutes, University of Texas marching band, millions of eyeballs, and mailing the perfectly-timed ending so a bunch of military choppers flew over exactly when he finished. GOD Bless America and Joshua Ray Walker!!!
October 25, 2021 @ 1:57 pm
I thought he said Austin weren’t no place for him.
October 25, 2021 @ 4:42 pm
Best comment award goes to YOU!
October 25, 2021 @ 5:07 pm
Very nice!
I saw him perform at the Standard Deluxe the previous week. I didn’t realize that his steel guitarist had performed with American Aquarium until he told me (the previous time I saw him he opened for BJ & his band).