Vanessa Carlton recently paid tribute to professional hockey player John Carlson from the Washington Capitals for reaching the milestone of playing 1,000 league games. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter surprised fans by appearing on the National Hockey League team's X page on Saturday morning.
She performed her popular 2002 song "A Thousand Miles" with special lyrics dedicated to Carlson, who is fondly referred to as "Carly" by his supporters.
In the video, Carlton is seen sitting at the piano, playing the well-known melody of her song. She sings about Carlson's impressive Stanley Cup victory in 2018 and praises his powerful shot.
After finishing her performance, Carlton celebrates Carlson reaching the milestone of playing 1,000 games. She shows her support for the Capitals by exclaiming "Go Caps!" in a heartfelt moment of admiration for the hockey player.
Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson is seen celebrating after scoring a goal against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC on March 24.
The Capitals made a playful reference to the similarities in the names of Carlson and Carlton on their X page. They wrote in the caption, "Did you think a Carlson/Carlton crossover would pass us by?" Amber Searls from USA Today Sports captured the moment.
Carlton’s song “A Thousand Miles” was a massive hit in 2002, making its way to the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and dominating the airwaves. It even earned three Grammy Award nominations, including record and song of the year.
Rolling Stone celebrated the 20th anniversary of “A Thousand Miles” in 2022, describing it as having “arguably the most easily identifiable first three seconds to a song of the last two decades, and quite possibly the most instantaneously recognizable piano riff ever.”
Carlson, a defenseman and alternate captain, will appear in his 1,000th NHL game on Saturday night alongside his Capitals teammates, versus the Boston Bruins.
Editor's P/S:
Vanessa Carlton's heartfelt tribute to John Carlson is a testament to the enduring power of music and its ability to transcend the boundaries of sports. Her rendition of "A Thousand Miles" with lyrics honoring Carlson's achievements was a poignant celebration of his remarkable career. The crossover between the worlds of music and hockey highlights the shared values of dedication, passion, and the pursuit of excellence.
The Capitals' playful nod to the name similarity between Carlson and Carlton adds a touch of humor to the moment, showcasing the team's camaraderie and appreciation for both the player and the musician. Carlson's upcoming 1,000th NHL game is a significant milestone, and Carlton's tribute serves as a fitting tribute to his contributions to the sport. It is a reminder that even in different arenas, the spirit of competition, determination, and the thrill of victory resonate universally. relentless dedication and the hard work it took to reach this milestone.