Songs in the key of Rotary with Jeff Jimerson

Summary

Rotary Voices Podcast: "Songs in the Key of Rotary with Jeff Jimerson" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: June 13, 2025

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Introduction

In this engaging episode of the Rotary Voices podcast, hosted by Jeff Johnson of Rotary Magazine, listeners are introduced to Jeff Jimerson, a renowned singer celebrated for performing the national anthems at Pittsburgh Penguins hockey games for over 35 years. The episode delves into Jimerson's illustrious career, his deep connection with the Penguins, and his upcoming performance at the Rotary International Convention in Calgary.

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Jeff Jimerson’s Musical Journey

Inspiration and Early Beginnings

Jeff Johnson opens the conversation with a heartfelt personal story about growing up in a bi-national household, fostering a unique appreciation for both American and Canadian cultures. This background seamlessly transitions into discussing Jeff Jimerson’s musical inspirations.

Jeff Jimerson (00:04:15): “I saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. Like a lot of guys my age, that was it. I just kept on doing it.”

Jimerson recounts how witnessing The Beatles on television ignited his passion for music, leading him to form bands from a young age.

Formation of Airborne and Musical Persistence

Jimerson shares the formation of his band, Airborne, in 1990, highlighting the challenges and perseverance required to sustain a musical career over decades.

Jeff Jimerson (00:04:48): “Probably a few dozen bands. I had day jobs, and then I worked at a couple entertainment agencies, but I've always been in a band that just played bars.”

Despite numerous band changes and the necessity of maintaining day jobs, Jimerson's dedication to music never waned, ultimately leading to the stability he enjoys with Airborne today.

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Becoming the Penguins’ Anthem Singer

Breaking into the Penguins’ Rotation

Jimerson describes how his involvement with the Pittsburgh Penguins began not directly through his band but via a significant performance opportunity.

Jeff Jimerson (00:06:37): “We got hired for the afterparty for a celebrity hockey game... they asked me to do the anthem for that game and I said I'd love to because I had done the anthem for football and baseball games.”

This pivotal moment in the 1990-1991 season marked the start of his long-standing relationship with the Penguins, culminating in his eventual role as the anthem singer during playoff games.

Memorable Performances and Milestones

Over the years, Jimerson has shared the anthem stage with notable personalities and experienced the thrill of performing during pivotal moments, such as the Penguins' Stanley Cup victories.

Jeff Jimerson (00:08:04): “The first time I got to sing for the finals, it was intense. I mean, the place was just buzzing. It was pretty cool.”

His perseverance paid off in 2008 when he finally performed at a Stanley Cup Finals game, an achievement he describes as “worth it” after years of dedication.

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Emotional Performances and Community Impact

Singing Amid Tragedy

One of the most poignant moments discussed is Jimerson's performance of "O Canada" following a tragic shooting incident in Ottawa.

Jeff Johnson (00:11:04): "Earlier that day, a young man named Nathan Cirillo was standing guard at the War Memorial on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, and was fatally shot."

In response to the tragedy, despite the scheduled game being canceled, Jimerson took the initiative to honor the fallen soldier by leading the crowd in a heartfelt rendition of the Canadian national anthem.

Jeff Jimerson (00:12:23): “Please join me. We all sing as one.”

This unplanned, emotional performance resonated deeply with Canadian fans, underscoring the profound impact of his role beyond the entertainment aspect.

Audience Appreciation

Jimerson highlights the appreciation he receives from both Pittsburgh and visiting Canadian fans, emphasizing the unifying power of music.

Jeff Jimerson (00:14:41): “Ottawa fans too, they'll always make a point to come up and say, hey, nice job on O Canada. Because they appreciate.”

His extensive experience performing "O Canada" over 30 years has fostered a strong connection with Canadian audiences, further solidifying his reputation as a beloved anthem singer.

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Upcoming Performance at the Rotary International Convention

Invitation and Excitement

Jimerson discusses how he was invited to perform at the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, a significant honor that reflects his esteemed status within the Rotary community.

Jeff Jimerson (00:13:58): “They would like to have you come to Calgary for Rotary International. Now our band plays local Rotary spring dinner dance every year for like we've done this thing for 15, 20 years.”

He expresses both excitement and nervousness about representing Rotary International on such a prominent stage, anticipating a memorable experience in Calgary's Saddle Dome.

Discovering Calgary’s Charms

Jimerson shares his enthusiasm for Calgary, highlighting its blend of cultural richness and natural beauty, which adds to his anticipation of the upcoming performance.

Jeff Johnson (00:14:23): “Calgary is a beautiful city. It's a wonderful mix of their Frontier pass, but it's a super modern city and all sorts of great restaurants and Banff and the Rocky mountains are a 90-minute drive away.”

His appreciation for Calgary’s vibrant culture and picturesque surroundings underscores the significance of this international engagement.

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Personal Reflections and Insights

Balancing Dual Identities

Throughout the episode, Jeff Johnson reflects on his own dual citizenship and upbringing, drawing parallels with Jimerson’s role bridging American and Canadian cultures through music.

Jeff Johnson (00:03:20): “I consider myself a citizen of the world.”

This sentiment resonates with Jimerson’s experiences, highlighting the universal language of music in fostering international camaraderie.

Preparing for High-Stakes Performances

Jimerson outlines his personal rituals and strategies for maintaining composure during high-pressure performances, emphasizing the importance of preparation and focus.

Jeff Jimerson (00:09:51): “I have a kind of a ritual. I go through that that seems to be contagious in the hockey world... I just walk up, get up there.”

His candid discussion about managing nerves and ensuring flawless performances offers valuable insights into the mindset of a seasoned performer.

Reflecting on Venue Changes

Jimerson nostalgically recalls the differences between the old Civic Arena and the new venue, appreciating the character and atmosphere of the former while acknowledging the modern amenities of the latter.

Jeff Jimerson (00:15:26): “It had character. And when I would walk out, they didn't have room on the bench for the backup goalie.”

This reflection underscores his deep connection to the history and traditions of Pittsburgh hockey.

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Conclusion

The episode concludes with Jeff Johnson expressing gratitude for Jimerson’s participation and wishing him well for his upcoming performance in Calgary.

Jeff Johnson (00:17:35): “Well, Jeff, it's really been great talking with you today.”

Jimerson reciprocates the sentiments, reinforcing the mutual respect and admiration between the host and guest.

Jeff Jimerson (00:17:56): “I definitely will do that for sure. And thank you very much for allowing me to do this.”

The episode effectively encapsulates Jeff Jimerson’s enduring legacy as an anthem singer, his deep ties to the Pittsburgh Penguins, and his role in fostering international goodwill through music. Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for the intersection of sports, music, and community service championed by Rotary International.

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Notable Quotes

• Jeff Jimerson (00:08:04): “The first time I got to sing for the finals, it was intense. I mean, the place was just buzzing. It was pretty cool.”
• Jeff Johnson (00:11:04): "Earlier that day, a young man named Nathan Cirillo was standing guard at the War Memorial on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, and was fatally shot."
• Jeff Jimerson (00:12:23): “Please join me. We all sing as one.”
• Jeff Johnson (00:14:23): “Calgary is a beautiful city. It's a wonderful mix of their Frontier pass, but it's a super modern city and all sorts of great restaurants and Banff and the Rocky mountains are a 90-minute drive away.”
• Jeff Jimerson (00:17:56): “I definitely will do that for sure. And thank you very much for allowing me to do this.”

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Final Thoughts

This episode of Rotary Voices masterfully blends personal anecdotes, professional milestones, and heartfelt reflections, painting a comprehensive picture of Jeff Jimerson’s impactful career. Through his stories, listeners gain insight into the dedication required to sustain a long-term role in the high-energy environment of professional sports, as well as the profound ways in which music can unite and uplift communities.

For those interested in Rotary International and the vibrant stories within its community, this episode offers both inspiration and a deeper understanding of the values Rotary upholds.

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Produced by: JP Swenson
Edited by: Wen Wong
Production Assistant: Yoo Sue Kim
Host: Jeff Johnson

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate us five stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and share it with your friends!

Transcript

[Mr. Jeff Jefferson]

We ask you remain standing. Remove your hats. Direct your attention to the flag above the scoreboard and the one in the stands. Please welcome back the penguin's own Mr. Jeff Jefferson. As together with one voice, we all sing the Star spangled banner.

[Jeff Johnson]

For 35 years, Jeff Jimerson has been singing the US national anthem before Pittsburgh Penguin hockey games and when the visiting opponent is an NHL team from Canada. Jimmerson sings two national anthems, the Star Spangled Banner and O Canada.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

O Canada, Our home and native land.

[Jeff Johnson]

As you can hear, Jeff's got a magnificent voice capable of impeccably belting out both of those songs. It's little wonder the Rotary International president and Pittsburgh sports fan Stephanie Yurczyk chose Jimmerson to sing the two anthems in Calgary this June at the Rotary International Convention. Welcome to the Rotary Voices Podcast. I'm Rotary Magazine senior editor Jeff Johnson. In today's episode, I'm talking with Jeff Jimmerson about his upcoming performance at the Rotary Convention in Calgary. But first, I have a confession to make. I grew up in a divided household. My father was from Massachusetts, but he attended the University of Toronto on scholarship. There he met my mother, who'd been born in Peterborough, Ontario. Against all odds, they achieved a remarkable international detente. Five children followed. As a child, my boyhood dream was crushed when when I learned that because of my Canadian birth I could never be President of the United States. Life moved on. When I was 10, my family moved to Chicago and today I have dual citizenship. Though when asked whether I prefer Canada or the United States, I always reply that I consider myself a citizen of the world. Meanwhile, the detente engendered by my parents flourished with families of our own. My siblings and many cousins joined our elders in Cape Cod for an annual two week summer reunion that attracted scores of relatives and culminated with an inter family softball game. Everyone in attendance, despite their country of birth, passionately sang both anthems. We live in a hyperbolic age. So let me state unequivocally that never in the annals of history has such harmony, both literal and metaphorical, been witness beneath two flags. At the conclusion of the game, we were all nothing less than citoyen de monde, citizens of the world. Which brings me to today's guest, Jeff Jimmerson. We'll discuss his lifelong career in music, a tragic moment on Canada's Parliament Hill, and his own boyhood ambition, which Jimmerson, unlike me, actually achieved. Jeff, thanks for joining us today.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

Glad to be here.

[Jeff Johnson]

Real pleasure. Jeff, as was mentioned, will be singing both the Canadian and the U.S. national anthems in Calgary at the Rotator International Convention in late June. We're eager to hear you perform there. Jeff, I want to talk a little bit about your career. You've been with the Penguins since January of 1991, as, I think, the first time you sang. When did you first know you wanted to be a musician?

[Jeff Jimmerson]

Oh, that's easy. I saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. Like a lot of guys my age, that was it. I just kept on doing it. I told somebody the other day, I've been in a band since I was in, like, sixth grade. Just take those old records off the shelf, rather sit and listen by my.

[Jeff Johnson]

I wanted to learn a little bit more about that. You saw the Beatles on the Sullivan show in the mid-60s. You started your own band, Airborne, in 1990, I believe. What happened in the intervening years?

[Jeff Jimmerson]

Probably a few dozen bands. I had day jobs, and then I worked at a couple entertainment agencies, but I've always been in a band that just played bars. Mostly we did original material and tried to go that route, but basically just ended up being in a cover band and just, you know, kind of making a living from music.

[Jeff Johnson]

Tell me how your band, Airborne, got started.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

The guitar player and I were in a different band together, and the other guys were leaving town, and we started a new band. And that was when I found the drummer that I'm presently with. So I don't know how I got so lucky that we stayed together. Musicians know bands come and go, and there's a few bands in Pittsburgh like us that have been together for over 30 years. I mean, we kind of know each other and we kind of accept where we are. You know, everybody has day jobs. We're not chasing a dream of stardom at this point. We're just enjoying each other's company and making a living from playing music. Los LP We're a converted rock band. Back probably about 15 years ago, we started doing corporate events and weddings. So I became the wedding singer there. But, you know, you meet a lot of nice people, and with my situation with the Penguins, a lot of people come in to a particular event and they'll say, that looks like the guy from the pens. I get that all the time. So it's kind of fun.

[Jeff Johnson]

Does anyone at the Penguin game ever say, hey, isn't that the guy from Airborne?

[Jeff Jimmerson]

No, they don't. I was like, man, I've been playing in a band since I was a kid, and nothing competes with the power of television. You know, doing the anthem for so many years. And hockey fans, as you well know, are very passionate. And being associated with that kind of gets people fired up.

[Jeff Johnson]

I understand it was a gig with Airborne that got you started with the Penguins.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

It actually was, yes. We got hired for the afterparty for a celebrity hockey game. They had a lot of Canadians. Jason Priestley, Alex Trebek, Alan Thicke. There were a lot of different, like television and musicians and former NHL players in this game. And so they asked me to do the anthem for that game and I said I'd love to because I had done the anthem for football and baseball games. And so it was halfway through that 90, 91 season. And that was the year they went to the Cup. You know, first year they won.

[Jeff Johnson]

And unfortunately you did not get to sing. I did not at the Stanley cup.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

Game, no, because they had regular folks that had been doing it. They'd been in a rotation and done it for years. So I was cool with that. And I did get play off camera too. And then the following year, again, I kind of shared the spotlight with a young little 12 year old named Christina Aguilera. And she did game one, it was against the Chicago Blackhawks. And she did game two. Obviously they weren't going to change anything. And then they went to Chicago and swept. But it wasn't until 2000 after that Stanley cup that it really got crazy. Just the excitement, going to pre game parties and everything. Pittsburgh's always been about the Steelers, right. And hockey was always third in line with baseball and football. But we made our mark. So I had to wait till 2008 to sing at a Stanley cup finals game. So it was a long wait, but it was worth it.

[Jeff Johnson]

Is there something special about singing the anthem at a Stanley cup game?

[Jeff Jimmerson]

There's a difference between regular season and playoffs. I found that out right away. Everyone always says there's nothing like playoff hockey, but it's true. The first time I got to sing for the finals, it was intense. I mean, the place was just buzzing. It was pretty cool.

[Jeff Johnson]

You playing? Playing the Red Wings, I think.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

Yes. Yeah, that. Yeah, we played Red Wings back to back. Lost the first year, it was wild. Cause they clinched a cup on the road, Detroit did. So I said to my buddy, I want to go down and see him raise the cup. I said, the Cup's never been raised in the Civic Arena. You know, the games were all one on the road at that time, we knew that the arena was going to be taken down and building a new one.

[Jeff Johnson]

Right.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

So the next year then we got to raise it in Detroit. But that was kind of a run. It was intense.

[Jeff Johnson]

I also understand you were never really much into hockey at first, I admit.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

It, I wasn't at all. And I've been pretty fortunate with some pretty exciting hockey with Mario and, you know, Jagger and Kevin Stevens and Coffey and you just go on and on. So it's been a lot of fun. And, yeah, now I'm hooked. I think Pittsburgh hockey has really grown over the last, obviously, 25 years too, so.

[Jeff Johnson]

Right.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

It's been pretty, pretty fun.

[Jeff Johnson]

Is it fair to say you're a fan?

[Jeff Jimmerson]

Oh, yes. Yeah, Very much so.

[Jeff Johnson]

Yeah.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

I always say that I'm the luckiest Pittsburgh Penguin fan in the city. To do what I do.

[Jeff Johnson]

Right.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

Get to be able to do that for such a successful team with so many iconic players for such a long time, you know, I pinch myself. So I never take it for granted.

[Jeff Johnson]

So how do you prepare to come out and sing one and sometimes two national anthems in front of a crazy crowd of 18, 19,000?

[Jeff Jimmerson]

I have, like a kind of a ritual. I go through that that seems to be contagious in the hockey world. I kind of warm up at home once. I don't go through, like a long vocal warmup. I basically just run through the anthems at home once on the way down to the arena, once after the pre skate, and then go out and do it. My wife, when she's there, she always gets nervous like, shouldn't you be up there? And I said, no, I stand back here until a certain. I have it all timed out exactly because I don't like standing there waiting. I just walk up, get up there. And it was only really in the last maybe 10 years that I was able to actually look around and really take it in and enjoy. I was trying to stay focused because I didn't want to lose concentration because one slip up and, you know, you make Sports Center.

[Jeff Johnson]

I heard you make the remark that your early fear was that you were going to end up as a highlight on SportsCenter.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

Exactly that.

[Jeff Johnson]

Did that ever happen?

[Jeff Jimmerson]

No, it did not. Not in a bad way, no.

[Mr. Jeff Jefferson]

Please rise and remove your hats. Ladies and gentlemen. Tonight our thoughts and praise prayers are with our friends in Ottawa and across Canada. Please join us in singing of old Canada.

[Jeff Johnson]

I want to talk about one time you sang O Canada. That I imagine was very emotional. That was October 22, 2014, Penguin Flyers game. Earlier that day, a young man named Nathan Cirillo was standing guard at the war Memorial on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, and was fatally shot.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

Yeah.

[Jeff Johnson]

Toronto Was supposed to play Ottawa that night, but they canceled the game. Your game went on and you did something special?

[Jeff Jimmerson]

Yeah. The fans called me today and said, did you hear? I said, yeah, I'm watching it right now. They said, we're going to have you sing oh Canada. And I knew we were playing. The Flyers normally wouldn't do that. And I was like, okay. They wanted me to speak. Well, I had never spoken. I just got in the sang. I can't remember exactly what I said, but it was basically in honor of our friends and the tragedy. Please join me. We all sing as one. And they all did. And that was. It was really emotional. And I didn't realize until after what that meant to the Canadian citizenry. I got emails and I did a radio interview with someone and they just really appreciated it and made me realize just how important it is. Sometimes the anthem can take a whole different meaning than just being part of the pregame hype.

[Jeff Johnson]

I love the way the Pittsburgh crowd sang oh Canada with you. I've watched it. It's really an emotional moment. I don't know how you kept your.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

Composure, frankly, when things like that happen, you know, you have moments of silence for tragedies and things. I think about the families at that time. I think he had a five year old sonnet. He's got a big late 20s now obviously. But we've had it in Pittsburgh where some police officers were shot in an ambush. And you sing the anthem with a little more reverence as opposed to part like go get em.

[Jeff Johnson]

How did you get asked to sing in Calgary?

[Jeff Jimmerson]

Well, Entertainment Unlimited, the entertainment agency in Pittsburgh where I used to work and they book our band and they called me and says, hey, I've got something different for you. They would like to have you come to Calgary for Rotary International. Now our band plays local Rotary spring dinner dance every year for like we've done this thing for 15, 20 years.

[Jeff Johnson]

Wow, great.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

I said, oh, that's cool. Where is it? What's in Calgary? I'm like, Canada. I said, yeah, Calgary's out west, right? I looked at the map, I said, yeah, it's really out west. It's northwest. I was like, I'm available that weekend where the band's not working. I said, that's pretty wild. And since then I just overwhelmed by the way people have been treating it. That's making me nervous. It's like a deal. I started looking on the website, seeing all the stuff they do. The only bummer is I can't stay. I'm like going in And I'm leaving because I started looking on the web and it just looks beautiful up there. And everybody I've mentioned it to in town where I'm going, I said, oh, you got to check this out. And that's out. So I'll have to do that at a different time.

[Jeff Johnson]

You'll have to. Calgary is a beautiful city. It's a wonderful mix of their Frontier pass, but it's a super modern city and all sorts of great restaurants and Banff and the Rocky mountains are a 90 minute drive away. And the Calgary Stampede is the week after.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

Oh, man. Yeah, you do. There's a lot of culture out there. I see. You definitely embrace that. And I'm singing in the Saddle Dome, which is where Flames play. I'm looking forward to. I'm getting excited now.

[Jeff Johnson]

Gonna be the flip side. Have you ever sung the Canadian national anthem in front of an audience of Canadians alone?

[Jeff Jimmerson]

No, not by themselves.

[Jeff Johnson]

Okay.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

You know, you guys have the reputation of being such easygoing folk and I can attest to that. Toronto fans especially make it down for the games in Pittsburgh. And if they see me, they'll say, hey, you did good job on O Canada. And they'll want to take a picture and you'll see all these Penguin fans go, Jeff, what are you doing? I say, all in love. So the Ottawa fans too, they'll always make a point to come up and say, hey, nice job on OH Canada. Because they appreciate. Nobody's performed there more times than I have, which I don't know how many times it's been, but it's got to be 5 or 800 over 30 plus years. I don't know. But yeah, I think about that a lot. But first of all, I miss the old building.

[Jeff Johnson]

I was going to ask you about that.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

That plays that character. Don't get me wrong. The new arena has all the amenities. It's great. But I always say, like where I used to warm up and wait to sing, I came out of the tunnel where the visiting team came. I'd always see the visiting team getting fired up and, you know, and slapping each other and doing all this stuff. Getting ready to go out the tunnel there. And I would warm up around the bend in this area and it smelled like beer and nachos, like by an old garbage can. But it had character. And when I would walk out, they didn't have room on the bench for the backup goalie. The backup goalie sat on a stool in the Runway there. And different guys, you're standing there waiting to step out and they'll look at you and they'll say, you know the words, don't you? Don't mess up. And I'm thinking, come on, man, they're.

[Jeff Johnson]

Trying to psych you out.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

They're trying to mess with me. It was fine, but the people were right on top of you. It was a great place to watch hockey.

[Jeff Johnson]

That's the same here in Chicago. The Blackhawks used to play at the Chicago Stadium, the Madhouse on Madison. And I used to go there as a boy and that people could smoke then, and it was crazy loud. And the new United center, the house that Michael built, is a lovely arena, but it's very near where the stadium used to be. Great place to watch basketball and hockey, just not the same.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

Yeah, I think what helped the PPG was having some playoff games there in the cup and all that. Then you kind of build up, especially younger. Yeah, I get a lot of guys that come up. Man, watching you Since I was 5, it's kind of a cool feeling, but it does make me feel old sometimes when I see these guys, they hire the band for a wedding and I say, I wanted to have you at my wedding. That was the only thing I wanted to have. I'm glad our band did a good job, because if you hired me just because I'm the anthem singer for the band, you're rolling the dice.

[Jeff Johnson]

Well, as you said when we started here, Airborne's been around for 35 years now, going on 35. And you've been singing with the Penguins for just about the same amount of time, off and on, at least. And that's a pretty remarkable career, particularly to have one band stick together that long.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

It's like you just don't have to think about things. Just happens naturally. I've been fortunate in many ways, but having those guys and the Penguins sing has been a blessing.

[Jeff Johnson]

Well, Jeff, it's really been great talking with you today.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

Great talking to you.

[Jeff Johnson]

Good luck in Calgary and give our regards to the Rotarians in Pittsburgh at the spring dance.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

I definitely will do that for sure. And thank you very much for allowing me to do this. I hope all goes well and I'm looking forward to it. But thank you. Oh, Canada our home and native land.

[Jeff Johnson]

This episode of the Rotary Voices Podcast we was produced by JP Swenson and edited by Wen Wong. Production by Yoo Sue Kim. I'm Jeff Johnson. If you enjoyed the show, please rate us five stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and share it with your friends. The Rotary Voices Podcast is produced by Rotary Magazine. The official monthly publication of Rotary International. Thanks for listening.

[Jeff Jimmerson]

God keep our land glorious and free, O Canada. We stand on guard for the.