The Star-Spangled Banner

The national anthem of the United States, based on a poem Francis Scott Key wrote in 1814 after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry.

Francis Scott Key: American lawyer and poet who wrote the 1814 poem that became the national anthem. He composed the poem after observing the bombardment of Fort McHenry.
To Anacreon in Heaven: An eighteenth-century English song whose melody became the tune for the U.S. national anthem. Its melody carries the anthem’s lyrics.
United States National Anthem Act: A 1931 federal law that designated “The Star-Spangled Banner” as the national anthem of the United States. The act made the song’s official status federal law.
Whitney Houston at Super Bowl XXV: Whitney Houston’s 1991 performance of the national anthem at Super Bowl XXV, accompanied by the Florida Orchestra. The recording became a widely remembered version during the Gulf War.
American flag: The flag of the United States, consisting of stars and stripes representing the states and founding colonies. The flag visible at Fort McHenry anchors the anthem’s central image.
Battle of Baltimore: A series of land and naval engagements in September 1814 that defended Baltimore from British forces. The anthem’s founding episode took place during this campaign.
Vocal range: The span from the lowest to the highest pitch a voice can produce or sing. The anthem’s wide melodic span makes its high notes demanding for singers.
National Mall: A landscaped park in central Washington, D.C., containing monuments, museums, and civic gathering places. Public performances there place the anthem within national ceremonies.
José Feliciano at the 1968 World Series: José Feliciano’s folk-style performance of the national anthem before Game 5 of the 1968 World Series. Its unconventional arrangement provoked public controversy about anthem performance.
Patriotism: Attachment to and concern for the welfare of one’s country. Performances often express patriotism, though people contest what that expression should mean.

Linked from 9 pages