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John Stafford Smith was a British composer and musician born on March 30, 1750. He is best known for composing the music for "To Anacreon in Heaven," which later became the tune for the United States national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Here are some interesting facts about John Stafford Smith and the "Star-Spangled Banner":

1. "To Anacreon in Heaven": The melody that Smith composed was originally used for the British constitutional song "To Anacreon in Heaven." The words to this song celebrated the joys of wine and friendship.

2. Adoption as the U.S. National Anthem: The lyrics for "The Star-Spangled Banner" were written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812. The song gained popularity and was officially adopted as the national anthem of the United States in 1931.

3. Key's Lyrics Adaptation: Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814. The lyrics reflect Key's emotions as he observed the American flag still flying after the attack.

4. Smith's Unawareness: John Stafford Smith likely never knew that his composition would become the national anthem of the United States. He passed away on September 21, 1836, long before the song received its official designation.

5. Legacy: Despite his British origins, John Stafford Smith has left a lasting legacy in the United States through his contribution to the country's national anthem. The tune is instantly recognizable and holds significant historical and patriotic value.

The combination of Smith's musical composition and Francis Scott Key's stirring lyrics has made "The Star-Spangled Banner" a powerful symbol of American patriotism.