Josh Kaufman, Indy Children’s Choir to sing ‘Back Home Again in Indiana’
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Indianapolis’ own and season six winner of the hit television show, “The Voice,” Joshua Kaufman, will be singing with the Indianapolis Children’s Choir at the Indianapolis 500.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced via Twitter Thursday morning, Kaufman and Indy Children’s Choir will sing “Back Home Again in Indiana.”
“The singing of ‘Back Home Again in Indiana’ is a signature of the Indianapolis 500 and one that our fans cherish as a distinctly ‘Hoosier’ moment,” said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. “Since Jim Nabors’ final performance in 2014, our goal is to select performers who have an understanding of the song’s meaning and significant importance to the Indianapolis 500 experience and the race’s fans. Josh Kaufman’s impressive voice and local ties, along with support from the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, will deliver just that.”
The Indy Children’s Choir tweeted about the news.
Since winning the voice, Kaufman has been on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, headlined the Indy Jazz Fest, and made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning “Pippin.”
“I strive to make deep emotional connections with my music and on Memorial Day Weekend at the Indy 500, nothing goes deeper with fans than ‘Back Home Again in Indiana,’” said Kaufman, who also served as grand marshal of the 2014 IPL 500 Festival Parade. “I can’t wait to be a part of history on such a special day.”
According tot IMS historian Donald Davidson, the traditional song may have been heard at the race as early as 1919 and was first sung in 1946.