Updated April 28, 2026, 10:50 a.m. ET
The Grammy Award-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band will perform the national anthem at the 2026 Kentucky Derby on May 2 at Churchill Downs Racetrack.
The premiere American blues rock group led by married couple Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks won the 2012 Grammy for Best Blues Album and is currently on tour with its latest album “Future Soul.”
Trucks is a renowned slide guitarist and a former member of The Allman Brothers Band. Tedeschi is a Grammy-nominated blues vocalist and guitarist with a powerful, soulful voice. Next stop after the national anthem at the 152nd Kentucky Derby, the duo will perform at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in Louisiana.
When to see the national anthem at the 2026 Kentucky Derby
Tedeschi Trucks Band will take to the stage just after 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. As is tradition, the national anthem at Churchill Downs will be broadcast live as part of NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage, expected to reach millions of viewers worldwide.
Who has sung ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ at the Kentucky Derby?
Tedeschi Trucks Band is the 17th major artist to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the historic horse race.
These other artists have performed the national anthem at the race:
- Grace Potter, 2025
- Wynonna Judd, 2024
- Carly Pearce, 2023
- Brittney Spencer, 2022
- Tori Kelly, 2021
- Jennifer Nettles, 2019
- Pentatonix, 2018
- Harry Connick, Jr., 2017
- Lady A, 2016
- Josh Groban, 2015
- Jo Dee Messina, 2014
- Martina McBride, 2013
- Mary J. Blige, 2012
- Jordin Sparks, 2011
- Rascal Flatts, 2010
- LeAnn Rimes, 2009
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.