Tedeschi Trucks Band's Kentucky Derby Anthem Draws Split Reaction

Overview

• Tedeschi Trucks Band performed the national anthem at Churchill Downs before the 152nd Kentucky Derby, and online reaction ranged from high praise to sharp criticism.
• Supporters lauded the rendition as powerful, with some listeners celebrating an Allman Brothers-style feel and applauding Susan Tedeschi’s vocals.
• Critics panned the arrangement as a poor fit for the moment, with several posts objecting to the use of electric guitar.
• The performance also triggered chatter about etiquette, as viewers commented on attendees keeping hats on and noted that many women wear fixed fascinators rather than removable hats.
• The Florida-based 12-piece, led by husband-and-wife duo Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, has sung the anthem at MLB games and Jacksonville Jaguars playoff games in 2023 and 2026.