Star Spangled Banner Lyrics
The history of the Star Spangled Banner began in 1814 when amateur poet Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics for his poem “Defence of Fort McHenry”. It was renamed as the Star Spangled Banner and became America’s national anthem on March 3, 1931, signed into law by President Herbert Hoover.
Historical Background
Key was inspired to write the poem after he saw the bombing of Fort McHenry courtesy of the Royal Navy ships along Chesapeake Bay. This happened during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Key and John Stuart Skinner were on the HMS Minden, sent on a mission by President Madison. They were sent to try and secure the release of some prisoners.
The history of the Star Spangled Banner began to unfold when Americans at Fort Corvington managed to keep the incoming British ships at bay by firing at them.
After the British were repelled, the Americans hoisted up their flag. It consisted of 15 stars and 15 stripes and called the Star Spangled Banner flag. Inspired by the sight, Key wrote the poem.
Widespread Use and Adaptation
Key had the poem set to the tune of “The Anacreontic Song“, a British song penned by John Stafford Smith. That song was already popular in the US and had been set to various lyrics. However, it was Key’s version that proved the most popular.
The mid 1880s saw the Star Spangled Banner becoming America’s most well known patriotic song. By 1889, it was in official use in the Navy. By 1916, the song was being played in all military services and special occasions.
Prior to the song being declared the national anthem of the United States in 1931, other songs and hymns were used in official ceremonies. These included “Hail, Columbia”, which was widely used in the 19th century. Another hymn was “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee”, whose melody was inspired from Britain’s own national anthem.
Modern Renditions and History of the Star Spangled Banner
Records show the first pop version of the Star Spangled Banner was performed by Puerto Rican singer Jose Feliciano. This took place in 1968 during game 5 of the World Series featuring St. Louis and Detroit. Feliciano strummed the song in a blues inspired manner.
Although the initial reaction was shock and dismay, it paved the way for other artists to render their own interpretation of the song.
Other well known renditions of the Star Spangled Banner include Marvin Gaye’s soulful interpretation during the 1983 NBA All Star Game.
Another memorable one was Whitney Houston’s rendition at Super Bowl XXV (1991). Her version proved so popular it was released as a single. The song climbed all the way to number 20 in the Billboard Hot 100 and to number 6 in 2001. Jimi Hendrix’s 1968 version has also become a classic.
The history of the Star Spangled Banner shows that through the years, artists have sung and continue to sing it in different ways. While the renditions are varied, the lyrics and meaning of the song have remained the same.