Janine Stange

janine stange embodies the never-quit attitude. she is the first person to sing the national anthem in all fifty states. this challenge was undertaken to raise awareness for the troops. it was also a challenge that was sparked by tragedy. janine’s well-known story is newly memorialized in the documentary national anthem girl. what few know is that it began as a little girl, working in the family’s long island bagel shop. her strong-willed, italian mother had strict rules about efficiency, organization and living an honest life. she also had an uncommon appreciation for the military. as janine’s singing career took off, she encouraged her to sing the national anthem at every chance. janine promised to give back, eventually. but first, she wanted to win grammy’s and go on world tour. after her mother’s sudden passing, stange was devastated, with no anchor. fueled by heart-ache and as an homage to her mom, she decided to sing the anthem in all fifty states to raise awareness for