From Press Release
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled a limited-edition bobblehead of retired United States Navy Petty Officer First Class Generald Wilson, who is regarded as one of the country’s most sought-after national anthem singers. The special edition bobblehead is being produced exclusively by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum.
The bobblehead, which will play a clip of Wilson singing his powerful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the push of a button, features Wilson holding a microphone on a circular black and white base bearing his name. He is wearing a Navy uniform and a white sailor hat, also known as a “Dixie Cup.” Each bobblehead is individually numbered to 2,023 and they are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. The bobbleheads, which are expected to ship in January, are $30 each plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order.
Retired U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Generald Wilson has sung the national anthem and “God Bless America” at nearly 1,000 events, including NFL playoff games, the World Series, NHL Stanley Cup Finals, NBA Finals, Indy 500 races, Formula 1 races, and NCAA championships. In addition to singing the national anthem at the Kansas City Chiefs home opener in 2022, he returned to Arrowhead Stadium to sing prior to the AFC Championship Game between the Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals on January 29th, 2023. The Chiefs went on to win the game and Super Bowl LVII over the Philadelphia Eagles.
The native of Kinloch, Missouri, who served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, comes from a gospel background and has been singing at big-time events for nearly 25 years. Wilson was discovered by late St. Louis Rams owner Georgia Frontiere in 1998. When an anthem singer couldn’t perform at a Rams game, Frontiere put in a call to Wilson. The Naval officer filled in at that Rams game and quickly became their regular anthem singer. He started gaining national attention and is now known around the country for his powerful rendition.
Wilson has said his purpose when singing prior to a big game is to set the atmosphere for keeping unity and excitement. “For that minute and a half, you’re putting away your differences and you’re singing a song together with the person sitting next to you; the person way across the field or the court,” Wilson said. “And that minute and a half, you’re coming together because you love this country. And then the excitement is to sing a song that’s close to the original as possible, but still gives you that flavor!”
When asked about being honored with the bobblehead, Wilson said, “To be recognized with this awesome bobblehead by The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is a complete honor. I’m speechless.”
“With his powerful delivery of the national anthem, Generald Wilson has been firing up crowds across the country for more than 20 years,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “This bobblehead is a must-have for anyone who has had the privilege of hearing Generald sing our country’s national anthem in person or on T.V.’”
About the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum:
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on February 1st, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as organizations, individuals, and teams across the country. Visit us online and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
