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John Stafford Smith is not actually the composer of "The Star-Spangled Banner." The anthem's music was composed by John Stafford Smith, an Englishman, and the lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key, an American. Here are some interesting facts about both of them and their contributions to the national anthem:

1. John Stafford Smith:

   • Born in Gloucester, England, on March 30, 1750, Smith was a prominent British composer and musicologist.
   • He is best known for composing the music for the song "To Anacreon in Heaven," which later became the melody for "The Star-Spangled Banner."
   • "To Anacreon in Heaven" was originally the theme song of the Anacreontic Society, a London gentlemen's club for amateur musicians.
   • Smith's composition was selected to accompany Francis Scott Key's poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry," which would become the lyrics of the national anthem.

2. Francis Scott Key:

   • Francis Scott Key was an American lawyer, poet, and amateur poet who wrote the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812.
   • Key was inspired to write the poem after witnessing the American flag flying over Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor following a British bombardment in September 1814.
   • His poem was initially titled "Defence of Fort M'Henry" and was later set to the tune of John Stafford Smith's "To Anacreon in Heaven."
   • The song became known as "The Star-Spangled Banner" and was officially adopted as the United States national anthem on March 3, 1931.

3. Key's Legacy:

   • Francis Scott Key's original manuscript of the poem is preserved at the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore.
   • Key's contribution to American history is celebrated every year on September 14th, known as "Defenders Day," in Maryland, the state where the events inspiring the anthem took place.
   • "The Star-Spangled Banner" remains an enduring symbol of American patriotism and is sung at numerous official and public events, including sports games and national ceremonies.

While John Stafford Smith was the composer of the tune used for the anthem, it was Francis Scott Key's lyrics that transformed it into the iconic song that represents the United States. Together, they created a powerful and enduring symbol of American patriotism.