We have a collection of 43 arrangements for John Stafford Smith - The Star-Spangled Banner
Did you know "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 a British composer and musicologist born on March 30, 1750, and he passed away on September 21, 1836. One of his most notable contributions to music is the composition of the tune that later became the music for the United States national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."
The melody was originally used for a song called "To Anacreon in Heaven," which was the official song of the Anacreontic Society, a men's social club in London. The words to "The Star-Spangled Banner" were written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, and he set them to Smith's tune.
Interestingly, "The Star-Spangled Banner" wasn't immediately adopted as the national anthem. It gained popularity over time, and it was officially designated as the U.S. national anthem by a congressional resolution on March 3, 1931. Today, it is a symbol of American patriotism and is often performed at various national events and ceremonies.