Singing Surgeons, Cornelison to sing ‘Star-Spangled Banner,’ ‘Back Home Again in Indiana’ ahead of Indy 500

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) – It’s nearly time for drivers to start their engines for the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500. While Sunday’s race will look a lot different without spectators in the stands, some things will go on as usual at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

On Wednesday, IMS announced who will help get the historic race started. The Singing Surgeons, comprised of Dr. Elvis Francois and Dr. William Robinson, will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” while Jim Cornelison will, once again, sing “Back Home Again in Indiana.”

“In these most unusual times, we are proud to produce a live Race Day show that will translate the tension, emotion and pageantry of Race Day to a global audience,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Elvis and William are two remarkable individuals whose performance will pay tribute to the heroes on the front lines of our nation’s continued fight against COVID-19. Jim has become part of the ‘500’ fabric with his passion for IMS and INDYCAR, and I know everyone in Indiana and honorary Hoosiers across the globe will shed tears as he hits the high notes of ‘Back Home Again’ on this unique Race Day.”

Drs. Francois and Robinson’s performance of John Lennon’s “Imagine” on Instagram went viral in March. According to IMS, this will be Cornelison’s fourth time performing “Back Home Again in Indiana” before the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.