Fancy

A highlight of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s vibrant spring concert “Say My Name!” on March 22, 2025, at The Straz Center’s Jaeb Theater was an unforgettable solo performance by Cody Smith-Rollins. With charisma, pathos, and unapologetic flair, Smith-Rollins took center stage to deliver a show-stopping rendition of “Fancy” by Reba McEntire—an iconic country anthem of survival, transformation, and fierce self-determination.

Smith-Rollins inhabited every word of Bobbie Gentry’s narrative (made famous by McEntire’s powerhouse vocals), telling the story of a young woman’s escape from poverty and judgment into self-made strength. The performance struck a balance between theatrical storytelling and vocal command, with Smith-Rollins imbuing each line with emotional nuance—rising from tenderness to soaring defiance as the song progressed.

What made the moment particularly powerful was how seamlessly it aligned with the concert’s central theme: “Say My Name!”—a celebration of names, identities, and the stories behind them. “Fancy” became more than a country ballad; it transformed into a queer anthem of reinvention and resilience. Through this performance, Smith-Rollins didn’t just sing a song—he embodied a legacy of overcoming stigma and rewriting one’s narrative on one’s own terms.

Backed by an audience clearly captivated by his presence and artistry, Smith-Rollins' performance earned one of the evening’s most enthusiastic applause. It was a moment of storytelling, spectacle, and soul—perfectly at home in a concert that centered the power of names, stories, and chosen identities.