It’s been less than 48 hours since Robert Goulet shuffled off this mortal coil, and already the Associated Press is working overtime to honor his memory…by publishing a story about the fact that he might have possibly flubbed the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner" when he performed it before Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston’s 1965 title fight.
Let me be the first to ask: Huh?! Was this really the best time to dig up some random, picayune pseudo-scandal from four decades ago? (Or, as the AP put it, "more than 30 years ago." Ahem.) Besides, the alleged mistakes — "dawn’s early night" and "gave proof through the fight" — aren’t exactly Borat-scale, as desecrations of the national anthem go. They’re barely even Lupe-sized. And Goulet apparently denied that he screwed up those lines at all!
All in all, I gotta wonder who thought this non-news story was a good idea and what they were thinking. Any suggestions?
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Well, that IS one of the things he’s remembered for. I always appreciated his ability to make fun of himself on “The Simpsons,” in some classic ESPN promos and on several of the old TV variety shows. RIP, Bob.
Another example of fine journalism. Pick a factoid, any factoid. But it was so cool to see him working lately. Loved the “Robert Goulet put gum in my hair” ads. Just great. When I was four, I saw him on TV & thought he was the coolest. Still do. RIP
Robert Goulet should be remembered for his beautiful voice, his handsome face, his charming smile. One of the most beautiful love songs he ever sang-many years ago-was “I Wish You Love”. As far as his possibly flubbing a few lines of the National Anthem, I do believe he was Canadian and I doubt if most Americans know the words to another Country’s anthems. Rest in Peace Robert.
He was a funny guy, as well as being so talented a singer and actor. He sang the theme for Jimmy Kimmel’s show and it was bittersweet to hear him the night that he passed away. I always think of the song “If Ever I Would Leave You” when I hear his name. His version was so beautiful. May he rest in peace and may they stop printing stupid articles about him.
Well, it was either the national anthem or Elvis. Remember, The King supposedly hated Goulet so much that he would fire gunshots at television sets whenever the Canadian singer appeared onscreen!
This story is older than I am. I remember that they used to play this ad nauseum on “Bloopers, Blunders, and Practical Jokes” in the a few decades ago. I also remember Dick Clark and Ed McMahon interviewing Goulet about it and he basically just shrugged his shoulders. Even he failed to see why people thought it was hilarious- because it wasn’t.
Must be a really slow news day. I bet there’s a higher percentage of people who flub the words to “The Star Spangled Banner” than there is of people who actually know all the correct words.
Aside from his great voice, he was also funny as hell. Watched “Beetlejuice” last night for Halloween and forgot he was in it. He sold his lines so well. RIP Robert, you will be missed.
My favorite Robert Goulet moment is definately Will Ferrell’s spoof of him on SNL. Soooooo funny!!!
The guy always had a great sense of humor. The nut ads “Don’t let Robert Goulet Mess with your Stuff” which my dad (who grew up listening to Goulet on television) never got, were hilarious. I had to explain that while the ad had nothing to do with peanuts, it meant don’t let anyone mess with you. And of course, “Robert Goulet Put Gum in my Hair!” Priceless. He was a massive singer with a heart of a five year old. G-D Bless you Bob.
BTW: That was probably an error and I bet you that the editor in chief of the AP pulled a Lucy Van Pelt on the web editor, slapped him/her over the head and yelled “You Blockhead!”
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