Today, Dr. Richard Conant was the guest speaker at the Capital Rotary Club. The meeting began with Dr. Conant singing the Star Spangled Banner. Dr. Conant is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at USC, founder of the Carolina Alive singers and an opera/concert singer. He is well-known for his rendition of the National Anthem at University of South Carolina football and basketball games and has sung for numerous political leaders and celebrities including Presidents Reagan, Bush Sr. and Nixon, as well as Pope John Paul II.
He has sung around the world, from Bulgaria to China and has performed as a soloist in Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Dr. Conant was involved in police work as a State Constable for 35 years, is past President of the FBI Citizens Academy, and is currently working with the Red Cross as Government Liaison, in Public Affairs and with Disaster Relief. He also directs the Chancel Choir at Trinity United Methodist Church in Blythewood.