Eclectic lineup slated for Super Bowl pregame

From: San Diego Union Tribune, CA - Jan 24, 2005

POP MUSIC: The performance slate for the Super Bowl pregame festivities will bridge the generation gap, with Gretchen Wilson tapped to perform with the Charlie Daniels Band and Black Eyed Peas collaborating with Earth, Wind & Fire on Feb. 6 inside ALLTEL Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla.

Alicia Keys will perform "America the Beautiful," popularized by the late Ray Charles, who grew up in the Jacksonville area. Keys will be joined by 150 students from the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, which Charles attended as a child. The students will accompany Keys with singing and perform the lyrics in sign language.

Before the contest, Kelly Clarkson and John Fogerty will perform as part of Fox's "NFL Tailgate Party" outside the stadium. As previously reported, Paul McCartney will perform during halftime of the game.

Veteran Southern rock act Lynyrd Skynyrd will headline a live CMT special at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena the night before. "Lynyrd Skynyrd's Super Bowl Saturday Night Special" will air at 9 p.m. Feb. 5 and will also feature Los Lonely Boys and Jo Dee Messina.

– Billboard