Indianapolis 500 Chooses Opera Soprano Angela Brown to Perform 'God Bless America'

Indianapolis, Indiana -

The sporting realm is known for inviting famous musicians to headline their events. For the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil, Indianapolis has chosen one of its own acclaimed for her wide-ranging career in opera, pops, gospel, and musical theater as well as her magnetic personality.

World-renowned soprano and Indianapolis native Angela Brown will unleash her powerful voice during the pre-race ceremonies in a tribute to all U.S. veterans and active military. Brown will sing "God Bless America" with the Purdue University All-American Marching Band as U.S. troops march down Pit Lane, a beloved tradition of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

"Excited doesn't begin to describe how I feel about singing ‘God Bless America’ at the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500,” Brown said. “Ever since I was a young girl, growing up in Indianapolis, I have dreamed of being a part of this time-honored tradition. I am proud to be able to salute the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. This is truly a dream come true!"

Brown personifies the ideal soprano: sheer vocal power, luxurious finesse, and shimmering, high pianissimos. She's a featured artist on the two-time Grammy Award-winning recording “Ask Your Mama,” has been the inspiration for opera roles and full symphonic song cycles written especially for her. She is a champion of musical exposure for underserved schools and communities through her not for profit foundation, Morning Brown, Inc.

Throughout her career, Brown has joined forces with symphonic pops legends Jack Everly, the late Marvin Hamlisch, and the late Erich Kunzel while traveling the world for classical performances at The Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, Paris Opera, Vienna State Opera, Capetown Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Edmonton Opera, Calgary Philharmonic, Shanghai World Expo, Moscow Performing Arts Center, and more. But she always welcomes a return home for appearances with the Indianapolis Symphony for their Yuletide pops extravaganza, the Indianapolis Opera, or to sing the national anthem for the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, and Indy Eleven. Adding the Indianapolis 500 to this list deepens her love affair with her beloved Indianapolis and it with her.

“Angela is a tremendous talent and will sing a fantastic rendition of ‘God Bless America’ for our fans,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said. “As a Hoosier, she knows just how much the Indy 500 means to all of us, and this performance will be extra special for her."

For more information on the music and career of Angela Brown, please visit www.angelambrown.com. ###

How to Watch the Indianapolis 500 Pre-Race Ceremonies:

ABC TV's pre-race coverage starts at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) Sunday, May 28, followed by the race broadcast at noon.

For more, visit www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.