Some people think Kate Smith’s “God Bless America” should be our national anthem. Others prefer alternative songs that capture the spirit of America. Here are some rock and non-rock versions that could be considered for the honor.
Kate Smith’s version of “God Bless America” is a classic, while David Lee Roth’s “Yankee Rose” and The Beach Boys’ “Surfing’ U.S.A” show different sides of American music. Other notable mentions include Night Ranger’s “You Can Still Rock In America,” John Mellencamp’s “R.O.C.K In The USA,” and Lenny Kravitz’s cover of “American Woman.”
On the non-rock side, Joan Baez recorded a poignant version of “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.” Jimi Hendrix performed his own version of “Star Spangled Banner” at Woodstock, which many consider a timeless classic. Whitney Houston also sang her rendition of The Star Spangled Banner.
Metallica’s “Don’t Tread On Me” and Stryper’s “Believe” are rock anthems that evoke patriotism. RPS agrees that Damn Yankees’ “Don’t Tread On Me” is a great song, just like Metallica’s version. Jimi Hendrix’s performance at Woodstock is a legendary moment in music history.
Other alternative national anthems include the Gettysburg Trilogy by Ripper and Whitney’s rendition of The Star Spangled Banner. Some fans even attended Damn Yankees’ “Don’t Tread On Me” tour, which was phenomenal according to RPS.
Source: https://eddietrunk.com/question-of-the-week-in-honor-of-our-nation-celebrating-its-250th-birthday-what-is-your-favorite-patriotic-non-rock-and-rock-song