Stephen Colbert And John Legend Sang ‘America The Beautiful,’ Because Freedom

John Legend stopped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, mostly to promote FreeAmerica, his initiative to stop mass incarceration. But because that’s something which requires thought and opinions, the Grammy-winners also teamed up to sing “America the Beautiful.” The two sang together quite a bit during The Colbert Report‘s run, and this seemed like a natural tradition that hopefully continues going forward.

Plus, what’s more patriotic than singing “America the Beautiful?” Yeah, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is the national anthem, but it’s composed from some British tune, and it’s often too hard to sing. Some might argue the latter is what helps keep it gritty, but I’d prefer people not screwing it up at the beginning of sporting events. In any case, between the singing here and the simulated flag in the background, I may have stood up and took off my hat for the duration of the song. There might have also been a single tear rolling down my cheek.

This also seems like a good time to remind you of Jamie Foxx’s John Legend impression on The Tonight Show. Because, at this point, that extended murmur is more Foxx than Legend in my mind.

(Via The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)

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