We have a collection of 41 arrangements for John Stafford Smith - The Star-Spangled Banner
Did you know the melody of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was originally from a British drinking song? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover John Stafford Smith: Composer of the American National Anthem
John Stafford Smith (1750-1836) was a British composer and musician, best known for composing the music for "The Star-Spangled Banner," the national anthem of the United States. Here are some interesting facts about him and the iconic anthem:
Composition of "The Star-Spangled Banner": John Stafford Smith composed the music for "The Star-Spangled Banner" in 1773 as part of a British song called "To Anacreon in Heaven." The lyrics for the American national anthem were written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812.
"To Anacreon in Heaven": The original song, "To Anacreon in Heaven," was the official song of the Anacreontic Society, a gentlemen's club in London. The lyrics were written by Ralph Tomlinson, and Smith's music became associated with the society's meetings.
Key's Poem and the War of 1812: Francis Scott Key wrote the poem that would become "The Star-Spangled Banner" on September 14, 1814, while witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812. The poem was later set to the tune of "To Anacreon in Heaven."
Official National Anthem: "The Star-Spangled Banner" was adopted as the national anthem of the United States on March 3, 1931, by a congressional resolution signed by President Herbert Hoover.
Legacy: Although John Stafford Smith is well-known for his connection to the U.S. national anthem, he spent the majority of his career in England. His other works include operas, glees, and instrumental music. His contribution to American history and patriotism is primarily through the enduring popularity of the anthem.
Rediscovery of the Original Manuscript: In 2007, the original manuscript of "The Star-Spangled Banner" written by Francis Scott Key was discovered in a family home in Maryland. It had been misfiled among the pages of a family songbook. The manuscript is now preserved in the Maryland Historical Society.
Controversy over Lyrics: Over the years, there have been discussions and debates about certain phrases in the anthem, particularly the third verse, which includes the line "No refuge could save the hireling and slave." Some argue that this line is racially insensitive and reflects the attitudes of the time, while others contend that it should be interpreted in the context of the War of 1812.
John Stafford Smith's musical contribution to the United States, while initially part of a British composition, has become a symbol of American pride and resilience through the national anthem.