Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks To Perform National Anthem At 2026 Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Racetrack selected Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi to play “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the 152nd Kentucky Derby this Saturday, May 2. The husband-and-wife co-leaders of Tedeschi Trucks Band will perform the national anthem just after 5 p.m. ET as part of NBC’s coverage of the prestigious race.

Derek and Susan have delivered the national anthem at several sporting events individually and once together at a Jacksonville Jaguars playoff game in 2023. The duo follow in a long line of iconic artists who have performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Kentucky Derby, with Grace Potter, Wynonna Judd, Brittney Spencer, Harry Connick Jr., Josh Groban and Mary J. Blige among them.

“Performing at the Kentucky Derby is a true honor for us,” noted Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks in a press release. “We’re thrilled to be invited and grateful for the opportunity to perform at such an iconic event.”

“Tedeschi Trucks Band’s soulful sound and remarkable vocal presence make them an exciting addition to this year’s Kentucky Derby,” added Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “We’re thrilled to welcome them to Churchill Downs and know their performance will capture the energy, emotion, and spirit that define Derby Day.”

Susan Tedeschi revealed a special connection she has to the Kentucky Derby on the latest episode of the Biscuits & Jam podcast. “Both of my grandmothers would just be to the moon about this. My grandma on my dad’s side… was always talking about horses and the Derby and this jockey and that jockey. And then my other grandmother loved the Derby too, and she’d talk about the dresses.”

Tedeschi also relayed a story about her mother’s reaction to news of the Derby gig. “She said, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re doing the Derby. What are you wearing?’” Susan laughingly said. “I did find a pretty sundress and it has roses on it. My mom’s like, ‘It is the race for the roses. You should wear that dress.’”

After performing at the Kentucky Derby, Derek and Susan head to New Orleans for Tedeschi Trucks Band’s appearance at Jazz Fest. The 12-piece outfit then links up with Eagles to open three stadium shows.