Kane Kalas was born with a legendary voice.
And ever since middle school, he’s been putting it to good use.
“I grew up in a family where my dad has a loud, booming voice, and so does my brother Todd, so I knew I had the speaking voice, but I went to a small middle school and they had mandatory musical,” said Kalas, the son of legendary Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas. “I figured if they were going to force me to do it, I might as well do it well.”
He’s doing it well, and he continues to honor his father and his former home area at the same time.
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Kalas recently released an operatic/marching band version of “Fly, Eagles, Fly” to get Eagles fans ready for the Super Bowl. The song is part of a full album dedicated to his father and the city of Philadelphia titled “High Hopes,” which is slated for an April release.
“Sport’s always been a big part, growing up with my dad at the ballpark, even after his passing, we’re a big sports family,” said Kalas, who grew up in the Philly suburbs, and lived in Hockessin when he attended Sanford in high school, but now lives in Puerto Rico. “Todd with the Astros, and being from Philly, it’s hard not to be a big sports fan.
“Yeah, my dad loved to sing, he never got lessons or anything, but he loved to do it. That’s kind of how I got into that style of music. He loved musical, he loved Sinatra, I would go to a local piano bar and hear him sing a couple of tunes. The Eagles fight song is the only march. The others are (from) Sinatra, but since I’m dedicating it to my dad and the city of Philadelphia, all of the songs have a special meaning to Philly sports fans.”
His dad is better known for calling Mike Schmidt’s 500th home run, or Brad Lidge striking out Eric Hinske to win the 2008 World Series, but Phillies fans will forever remember him singing “High Hopes” during championship celebrations. They also remember the passion he had when calling Phillies games, a job he held from 1971 until he passed away in 2009.
That same passion can be heard in his son’s voice when he sings. It’s particularly evident in the Fly, Eagles, Fly video, and that’s very special this week.
When your dad is Harry Kalas, the city will always love you.
“You know, Philly fans still recognize me from singing the National Anthem, I’ve been doing that since I was 14 years old at the Vet,” said Kalas, who was a professional poker player before he decided to drop his first album. “They’ve brought me back to sing Opening Day the past seven years. I sang it this year at one of the NLCS games and in the World Series, I sang God Bless America.
“When I’m in Philly, people will share memories that they have of listening or meeting my father. I love it. He was very passionate about Philadelphia sports. That’s why this is special, it’s for Philly and my dad.”
His dad loved Philly too.
He represented the Philly fan. He wanted the Phillies to win more than anyone. He was the voice of the Philly fan, and that was a responsibility he took very seriously. Whether he was calling a Spring Training game, doing the World Series or if he was the first voice Phillies fans heard after the terrorist attacks, Kalas always knew exactly what to say because he was speaking from the heart.
And by doing this album, Kane Kalas is trying to fondly recall his father’s memory, not just for himself, but for Philly fans who loved him.
“The album comes with a little booklet, and those normally it has what inspires the artist to write each song,” Kalas said. “This is a cover album, it’s all covers of popular songs, and they’re all songs I heard my dad sing or listen to, all songs that he loves. Really some niche songs that you’ll only know if you’re from Philly. “On the Way to Cape May,” every time I heard that song, it was hokie, so I did it in a standard style. It turned out great and I always remember my dad singing this.
“Every song has relevance to my father. The opening song is “Take Me out to the Ball Game,” of course it has “High Hopes,” and members of the Philadelphia Boys Choir sing the children’s part of “High Hopes.” This album should bring back memories.”
He’s hoping this weekend brings back memories of his dad singing “High Hopes” after a Philly team brings home a championship.
“This year has been so much fun because it’s kind of unexpected, just like the Phillies were,” Kalas said. “There were high expectations for the Phillies, but I’m not sure too many people predicted a World Series appearance. And the same with the Eagles, people expected them to do well, I think they were projected for 9-and-a-half wins. So it’s not unexpected that they would be good, but maybe not this good.
“I’m really happy to release the song, I think it came out great, and I’m excited for the game.”
He also loves the album because of who inspired it.
“I love remembering and thinking about my dad,” he said. “I think he’d be really proud.”
To preorder the album, or to follow Kane Kalas on social media, visit his website.
