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In a powerful moment of unity and soul, husband-and-wife duo The War and Treaty, composed of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, will be performing the national anthem for the Cowboys vs. Raiders game — a high-profile NFL moment that brings together both their musical talent and deep personal history. In this article, we explore who they are, their journey, why their performance carries special significance, and how their life story resonates beyond music.
Who Are The War and Treaty?
The War and Treaty is an American musical duo made up of Michael Trotter Jr. and his wife Tanya Trotter. Their sound is deeply rooted in Americana, blending genres like soul, gospel, folk, blues, country, and R&B to produce songs that are emotionally rich and deeply human.
They officially formed in 2014, and since then, they have produced several acclaimed albums — such as Healing Tide — and earned numerous nominations for their honest, raw vocal performances and their message-centered music.
Their Backstory: From War to Music
Michael’s past plays a significant role in the duo’s identity: he served in the U.S. Army, including time in Iraq, and cites his military experience as a major influence on his creative journey. During his deployment, he taught himself to play piano in a surprising place — reportedly in one of Saddam Hussein’s former palaces. It was there that he started writing songs, many inspired by loss, faith, and the emotional weight of conflict.
Tanya’s background in music is equally notable. Before forming the duo, she was a solo artist and actress. She originally performed under her maiden name Tanya Blount, releasing R&B music and appearing in famed movies. The two met in Maryland at a music festival, fell deeply in love, and merged their talents both personally and professionally.
Their partnership goes beyond the stage — they channel their shared life experiences into their music. Their name, “The War and Treaty,” reflects this: Michael has spoken about “war” in his life (both literal and internal) and how their music is his “treaty” of love and peace with himself, Tanya, and their audience.
Milestones & Awards: From Indie Duo to Grammy Recognition
Over the years, The War and Treaty have grown into a major act in Americana and country music:
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Their debut album Healing Tide received critical praise and helped them build a loyal fan base.
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They later signed with Universal Music Nashville, bringing their sound to a broader audience.
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Industry recognition followed: they were nominated for Duo of the Year by both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM), powerful markers of their rise.
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Their voice has also been noted for its healing power — Michael and Tanya have openly discussed his battles with PTSD from military service and how their music is part of a healing journey.
The Anthem Performance: Why This Moment Is Special
When The War and Treaty were chosen to sing the national anthem at the Cowboys vs. Raiders game, it wasn’t just a moment of entertainment — it was deeply symbolic. According to Raiders’ gameday announcements, their performance is part of the NFL’s Salute to Service program, which honors veterans and active duty service members.
Michael’s own veteran status gives the moment extra weight. His military service isn’t just part of his past — it actively shapes the heart of his music, making this anthem performance resonate not just as a showpiece, but as a tribute.
Their presence on the field isn’t just performance — it’s a statement about sacrifice, unity, and the healing power of music.
Their Music & Discography: What They Bring to the Stage
Genre and Style
The War and Treaty’s music defies strict categorization. Their blend of soul, gospel, country, and folk makes their sound distinctive, emotional, and deeply universal.
Major Releases
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Healing Tide — their acclaimed debut album, which established them as soulful storytellers.
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Hearts Town — an album that delves into love, struggle, and redemption.
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Lover’s Game — their major-label release under Universal Nashville, praised for its lyrical depth and musical breadth.
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Plus One — a newer project that continues exploring themes of partnership, faith, and shared life.
Personal Life: Their Journey as a Couple
Michael and Tanya’s relationship is central to The War and Treaty’s identity.
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Marriage & Family: They married in 2011 and have built both a musical and personal life together.
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Parenting: Their family life, including their son, grounds their work and gives their music authenticity.
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Emotional Bond: In interviews, they often speak of their partnership as a healing force. Their music isn’t just a career — it’s a way of living and processing life together.
Their Connection to the NFL Moment
Their selection for the anthem is meaningful on several levels:
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Veteran Narrative: Michael’s military service makes the Anthem moment deeply personal.
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Musical Authority: As respected artists in Americana and soul, they bring emotional depth and gravitas.
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Bridge Builders: The War and Treaty have publicly spoken about building connections — bridging genres, communities, and experiences — making them especially suited for a high-profile, unifying platform like the NFL.
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Legacy and Hope: Their performance isn’t just for a game — it’s a narrative of sacrifice, healing, and reconciliation.
Impact & Significance: What Their Performance Might Mean
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For Fans and Viewers: Their anthem could resonate deeply, especially for veteran communities and fans who value authenticity over theatrics.
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For the NFL: Choosing them reflects the league’s increasing respect for artists who bring real-life stories, serving both entertainment and meaning.
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For the Duo: This is a career highlight — a chance to perform on a massive national platform while honoring Michael’s past and their shared mission.
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For the Music Industry: It reinforces The War and Treaty’s role as boundary-crossing artists who bring soul, sincerity, and social relevance to mainstream moments.
Key Takeaways: Why This Duo Matters
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Michael & Tanya Trotter, as The War and Treaty, are a powerhouse musical duo blending soul, country, and gospel.
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Their anthem performance at Cowboys vs. Raiders is more than music — it’s a tribute framed by Michael’s military service and their shared journey.
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They have a remarkable origin story: Michael’s time in the Army, his self-taught piano in Iraq, and how music became his therapy.
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Their discography (from Healing Tide to Plus One) reflects growth, pain, love, and hope.
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Their personal bond — as partners in life and art — fuels their authenticity and emotional connection to audiences.
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This anthem performance is a landmark moment that deepens their emotional resonance and boosts their visibility.
The War and Treaty are not just artists — they are storytellers, healers, and a living testament to the power of music rooted in real life. Having them perform the national anthem at an NFL game isn’t just a performance decision. It’s a symbol — of service, love, reconciliation, and unity.
As the couple takes the stage, their voices carry more than melody. They carry hope, history, and humanity. Their story reminds us that sometimes the greatest anthems come not just from music, but from lived experience.
If you’re curious about more of their music, their journey, or how their next album is shaping up, you’re not alone — The War and Treaty are writing a story that resonates deeply with the world.
Nguyen Hoai Thanh
Nguyen Hoai Thanh is the Founder and CEO of Metaconex. With 12 years of experience in developing websites, applications and digital media, Nguyen Hoai Thanh has many stories and experiences of success to share.