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In a recent interview with Pete McMurray, legendary anthem singer Jim Cornelison and veteran sportscaster Dan Roan shared their insights on their careers, the moments that defined them, and their roles as ambassadors for AccessOne. The conversation was a fascinating dive into Chicago sports history, filled with stories of unforgettable games, iconic figures, and the lessons learned along the way.
Both Cornelison and Roan serve as ambassadors for AccessOne, a company specializing in cybersecurity and managed IT services. For Cornelison, the partnership aligns with his personal and professional values. “For me, it’s really about being able to work with people that I like and trust,” he shared. He likened the reliability and consistency of AccessOne’s services to his own approach to performing the national anthem: “If you want to hire me to come do the job, you can be pretty sure I won’t forget the words, and I’ll deliver something that people will remember.” It’s this dependability that makes AccessOne a perfect match for these two Chicago sports icons.
Roan echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of trust in both sports broadcasting and cybersecurity. “When you’re covering sports, your audience expects you to be accurate, reliable, and professional. That’s the same expectation businesses should have when choosing an IT provider. You need to know your information is secure, just like viewers need to know they can count on their sportscaster to tell the full story.”
With a career spanning 45 years, including 38 years at WGN-TV, Dan Roan has witnessed and covered some of the most defining moments in Chicago sports history. He recalls his unexpected entry into broadcasting while working at a bookstore at Illinois State University. What started as a part-time job at the student-run TV station quickly turned into a lifelong passion.
Throughout his career, Roan had the opportunity to cover legends like Michael Jordan, the ‘85 Bears, and Chicago’s historic championship runs. He shared a particularly memorable early encounter with Jordan: “I was sitting in a bowling alley bar with him, just having a beer and talking. What are the odds of that ever happening to anybody again?” His stories capture a time when athletes were more accessible, offering glimpses into the personalities behind the game.
One of his standout career moments was covering the 1985 Chicago Bears. “That team wasn’t just good, they were larger than life. Jim McMahon, Walter Payton, Mike Singletary—every single player had a personality that fans could connect with. Watching them dominate the Super Bowl was surreal.”
Roan also recounted his experiences covering Chicago’s beloved baseball teams. “I got to call Cubs and White Sox games, and seeing the Cubs finally win the World Series in 2016 after 108 years was one of the most emotional moments of my career. There were grown men crying in the stands—it was a moment Chicago will never forget.”
Jim Cornelison’s journey to becoming Chicago’s anthem singer was anything but conventional. A classically trained opera singer, he initially pursued a career in music before finding his way onto the ice at Blackhawks games. His first performance at the United Center in 1996 was overwhelming: “The crowd just exploded…I started to choke up, and for a singer, that’s literally the worst thing that can happen.” Despite the nerves, his powerful rendition quickly became a staple of Blackhawks games and Chicago sports culture.
Beyond the NHL, Cornelison has performed at the Indianapolis 500, Chicago Bears playoff games, and countless other major events. His signature hand gesture during the anthem, now embraced by thousands of fans, originated from a lighthearted exchange with season ticket holders who asked him to make it more noticeable. That small adjustment turned into an iconic part of his performance.
Performing “Back Home Again in Indiana” at the Indianapolis 500 was another career-defining moment. “Taking over for Jim Nabors was a huge honor. The Indy 500 has a tradition like no other, and I wanted to make sure I delivered a performance that lived up to that legacy. You can feel the energy from the crowd—it’s an experience unlike anything else.”
When asked about the most memorable moments of their careers, both men had plenty to share. For Roan, it was witnessing Michael Jordan’s rise, covering the 1985 Bears, and the privilege of calling Cubs and White Sox games. He also reflected on the emotional highs and lows of broadcasting, from championship victories to heartbreaking defeats.
“You get to be part of history,” Roan reflected. “When the Bulls were winning championships, when the Blackhawks won three Stanley Cups, and even when the White Sox won in 2005, you knew you were covering something that people would talk about forever.”
For Cornelison, one of the most electric moments was during the 2013 Blackhawks playoffs when the team came back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Red Wings. “When I walked out on the ice, the energy was just insane. The crowd exploded, and it was louder than anything I’d ever heard.” Another highlight was singing the anthem for the Bears’ playoff games: “Standing in front of 68,000 fans at Soldier Field, with the jets flying overhead—it gives you chills every time.”
Both men have left an indelible mark on Chicago sports and entertainment. Their commitment to excellence, whether in broadcasting or performing, has made them beloved figures in the city. As they continue to represent AccessOne, their focus on trust and reliability remains as strong as ever.
“It’s about consistency,” Cornelison said. “When you deliver something with excellence, whether it’s a performance or a broadcast, people remember that. They trust you.”
Roan agreed: “When you put your heart into something for decades, you leave a legacy. Chicago sports have given us some of the best memories, and I feel lucky to have been a part of it.”
From the press box to the ice, from championship celebrations to legendary performances, Jim Cornelison and Dan Roan’s careers serve as a testament to passion, preparation, and perseverance.
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