“Hallelujah” has never felt so hauntingly beautiful as this. The United States Air Force Band’s Singing Sergeants poured their magic onto the Leonard Cohen classic with a heavenly a cappella arrangement that sent the band viral. Awed by the majestic power of the choir, fans declared that this was the most beautiful version of “Hallelujah” they’d ever heard. The band’s flawless multiple-part harmonies give the song a spiritual feeling that fans responded to in a big way.
The Singing Sergeants featured three talented soloists in the performance. All three delivered the goods, but there was one moment in the third soloist’s performance that viewers kept replaying again and again. She brought her lead vocal to a thunderous and soulful climax at 2:25 that you will definitely feel on the back of your neck. The Music Man has to say that this perfect storm of brilliant arrangement, superb backing vocals, and inspired leads make this rendition of “Hallelujah” one of a kind!
The Singing Sergeants’ version of “Hallelujah” drew seven million views on YouTube, and became the Air Force Band’s second-most popular upload. Fans agreed that the choir had delivered something special here, and added comments such as “This song always gives me chills and a sense of peace” and “This is probably the most beautiful performance of this song that I have heard. Well done and God bless our service men and women.”
The Singing Sergeants have a knack for putting memorable spins on classic songs. The group also drew attention for their a cappella version of “Freedom Song”. This performance is 100% a cappella, without the beat featured in “Hallelujah”, which gives an uplifting energy that really makes it feel like a worship performance. The high runs from the sopranos from 2:08 onwards attracted particular praise from impressed viewers.
The Singing Sergeants, which features 24 active-duty musicians, are stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, DC. The group is one of six ensembles that make up the United States Air Force Band. The Singing Sergeants were formed as a men’s choir in 1945, and the Air Force states that they subsequently became the first “premier military chorus” to enlist women in 1973. The Music Man readers might not be surprised to hear that “Hallelujah” is The Singing Sergeants’ most-viewed performance to date on YouTube. Their version of “God Bless the U.S.A.”, which featured country artists Lee Greenwood and Home Free, is not far behind, with 4.5 million views.
