Proud Mary
On March 22, 2025, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay (GMCTB) lit up the Jaeb Theater at The Straz Center with a showstopping, high-energy performance of John Fogerty’s “Proud Mary” as part of their spring cabaret concert, Say My Name!. In a night that celebrated identity, power, and self-expression through music, this iconic rock-soul anthem became a jubilant finale that had the audience clapping, dancing, and—by the end—on their feet.
Best known for its distinctive slow-burn intro and explosive tempo shift, “Proud Mary” has been covered by countless artists, but GMCTB brought a bold new energy to the classic. Opening with rich, smooth harmonies and understated movement, the chorus leaned into the song’s gentle beginning with a soulful warmth that hinted at what was to come. Then, with a flash of lighting and a burst of choreography, the tempo surged—and so did the room’s energy.
The group’s arrangement paid homage to Tina Turner’s legendary version of the song, infusing it with fierce attitude, tight vocals, and infectious joy. Dressed in coordinated outfits with flashes of sequins and fringe, chorus members didn’t just sing—they performed, blending synchronized moves, spirited solo riffs, and layered harmonies that built to a climactic final chorus. From the front row to the balcony, toes tapped and hands clapped as the chorus rolled “down the river” with joyful abandon.
Musically, the performance showcased the chorus’s versatility. Shifting seamlessly from soulful restraint to electrified exuberance, the singers navigated the song’s dynamic turns with precision and flair. Several featured soloists brought extra spark, trading lines and adding their own vocal twists that emphasized the theme of self-liberation woven throughout the concert.
Say My Name! explored what it means to name and claim one’s identity, with a setlist ranging from Broadway ballads to operatic arias and pop power anthems. “Proud Mary,” with its roots in rock and its legacy as an anthem of perseverance and reinvention, was a fitting choice. Reimagined through the lens of queer celebration, the number became more than just a crowd-pleaser—it became a declaration of pride, freedom, and fierce community spirit.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay has long used music to uplift and unite, and this performance was a perfect example of their mission in action. With joy radiating from the stage and a palpable sense of connection among the performers and the audience, “Proud Mary” delivered the kind of shared musical experience that lingers long after the lights go down.
As the final beat hit and the chorus struck their last pose, the theater erupted in cheers. If the rest of the concert reminded the audience of the power behind a name, “Proud Mary” reminded them of the power behind a voice—and a community rolling forward together, proud and unstoppable.