St. Louis Blues national anthem singer blends passions for remarkable career

In celebration of Black History Month USTA.com is featuring Pershard Owens, a former high school tennis coach and current national anthem singer for the St. Louis Blues.

At the place where music, tennis and hockey meet, you’re not likely to run into that many people—especially not those who have made a career out of them.

But at that place you’ll find Pershard Owens, who’s done just that.

Originally from Charleston, Mo., Owens began his singing career at the age of 5 when he followed in his family’s footsteps of singing in church. He never looked back, studying both music and theatre as he grew up. His favorite styles embody whatever mood he’s in, ranging from gospel to rock to soul.

Currently, Owens primarily does house, dance and EDM, which is what he’s built his professional career out of. But what a lot of St. Louisans might know him better for is his beautiful rendition of the national anthem, which he sings in front of sold-out crowds at Enterprise Center before Blues games.

Owens began singing part-time for the Blues two years ago while the organization was seeking a full-time replacement for legend Charles Glenn. Even though there were other part-time singers, he said he was always willing to perform.

“If they would need a replacement and say, like, ‘Hey, are you available?’ I would always reply, ‘Yes, I’ll be there,’” Owens said. “So I think in those two years, I showed that I was dedicated and would be there for the Blues.”

Owens fell in love with the gig from his first couple performances.

“For one, I love hockey and everything about it,” Owens said. “And then I just love the feeling of the supporters. The energy that they bring is always just so top-notch. And the organization itself has always treated me so well.

“I’m the type that’s like if you’re loyal to me, I’m loyal to you.”

It was a tough decision for Owens to give up his tennis coaching job at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau. However, the Blues gig was something he’d worked years for and he ultimately decided to pursue that. After all, one of his dreams is to sing the national anthem on opening night of the US Open.