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14-year-old’s ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ at the DNC was so inspiring
Bobby Hill’s effortless high note won’t be forgotten
So many moments sparked emotions at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. But when Bobby Hill took the stage on Monday night, he grabbed the microphone and softly belted out his rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner.
It was a moment of unity that brought party members to their feet for the 14-year-old.
Cheering and singing along, hundreds of delegates enjoyed the sweet soprano melody that rang out at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Monday.
Bobby gained national attention last September when he rendered an impromptu performance for Pope Francis during his visit to Philadelphia. Bobby told ABC’s David Muir that he only had five minutes to prepare and he was not nervous at all. He performed an a cappella version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Pie Jesu.
Bobby is not an ordinary teen. He has his own website and spends most of his time honing his craft. According to his website, Bobby’s love for singing began at home. He started singing in the New Covenant Church Children’s Choir when he was just 3 years old. At age 7, he joined the Keystone State Boychoir and continues to sing with the ensemble now. His favorite musical genre is opera.
As a member of the Boychoir, Bobby sang in the Opera Philadelphia’s production of La Bohème at the Academy of Music as a featured performer. He also appeared as part of the urchin chorus in a one-night benefit concert of the musical Oliver! at the Shubert Theater on Broadway in New York with Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell.
In 2015, Bobby was selected as one of Ebony magazine’s 2015 Power 100. His biography states that he “hopes to continue to share his musical talent with the world, spreading his uplifting message that music making can change the lives of young people.”