We have a collection of 39 arrangements for John Stafford Smith - Francis Scott Key - The Star-Spangled Banner
Did you know the melody of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was originally a drinking song? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover John Stafford Smith: Composer of the American National Anthem
John Stafford Smith was not the composer of "The Star-Spangled Banner." This widely recognized American national anthem was actually written by Francis Scott Key, who penned the lyrics during the War of 1812. Key was inspired to write the poem after witnessing the American flag flying over Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor during a British naval bombardment. The lyrics were later set to the tune of a popular British song of the time, which was composed by John Stafford Smith.
Here are some interesting facts about John Stafford Smith and his connection to "The Star-Spangled Banner":
English Composer: John Stafford Smith was an English composer, born on March 30, 1750, in Gloucester, England. He was known for his compositions and arrangements, which included the tune that later became the music for the U.S. national anthem.
"To Anacreon in Heaven": The melody that John Stafford Smith composed was originally used for a song titled "To Anacreon in Heaven." This song was the official song of the Anacreontic Society, a gentlemen's club in London. The music was well-known and widely recognized, which made it a popular choice for setting Key's lyrics to.
Transformation into a National Anthem: The combination of Francis Scott Key's lyrics and John Stafford Smith's melody was officially recognized as the national anthem of the United States on March 3, 1931, when President Herbert Hoover signed it into law. This made "The Star-Spangled Banner" the official anthem of the United States.
Not Intended as a National Anthem: When John Stafford Smith composed the tune, he could not have anticipated that it would become the anthem of a new nation. It was originally a drinking song, and its transformation into a national anthem is a unique historical development.
Key's Lyrics: The lyrics written by Francis Scott Key were originally titled "Defence of Fort M'Henry" and were set to the melody by Smith. They reflect Key's experience of observing the American flag flying over Fort McHenry during a British attack and his relief at seeing it still flying in the morning, signaling that the fort had withstood the assault.
John Stafford Smith's melody, combined with Francis Scott Key's powerful lyrics, has since become one of the most iconic national anthems in the world, symbolizing the strength and resilience of the United States.