Jim Nabors has been singing “Back Home Again in Indiana” at the Indy 500 since 1987. Sadly, Nabors won’t be able to attend this year’s race as he is scheduled to have heart surgery later this month.
But Nabors voice will still be heard at the Indy 500 despite his absence. USA Today reports that a video crew is flying out to Hawaii to film the 81-year-old singing. The video will be played before the Indy 500.
IMS spokesman Doug Boles said:
“He offered that… You’ve got to remember that (the 500) is as much a highlight of his year as it is for the hundreds of thousands of fans who hear him sing.”
“It’s just magical. To be here all of those years, it’s part of my life, part of my history now. It’s been great to see all the kids grow up.”
Nabors began singing the song in 1972 and started performing it at the Indy 500 in 1987. Nabors has performed the song every year but once since then. He missed the 2007 race for health reasons.
Here’s a video of Jim Nabors singing “Back Home Again in Indiana” from 2009.
