A different tune will kick off the Belmont Stakes
June 5, 2010NEW YORK (AP) -Start spreading the news: Sinatra's out at the Belmont Stakes.
The New York Racing Association says Frank Sinatra's classic version of ``New York, New York'' is being replaced by ``Empire State of Mind'' as the music heard when the horses step onto the track for the $1 million Belmont on Saturday.
The change is being made because Jay-Z's ``Empire State of Mind'' has become a ``quintessential 21st century theme song for New York City,'' says NYRA marketing director Neema Ghazi.
``New York, New York'' replaced ``Sidewalks of New York'' in 1997.
Alicia Keys' version of ``Empire State of Mind'' is to be performed by teenage recording artist Jasmine Villegas.
The lyrics include, ``I'm the new Sinatra, and since I made it here I can make it anywhere.''