Patriotic Melodies tells the stories behind many of the songs that have now become part of the American national heritage. A combination of hymns, national songs, music of the theater, radio and television, military themes, and poetry, all of this music demonstrates that while over history many things have changed, this expression of pride and hope remain a constant part of the American experience. This collection includes information about the Star-Spangled Banner.

The Songs of America presentation allows you to explore American history as documented in the work of some of our country's greatest composers, poets, scholars, and performers. From popular and traditional songs, to poetic art songs and sacred music, the relationship of song to historical events from the nation's founding to the present is highlighted through more than 80,000 online items. This collection includes information about the Star-Spangled Banner.

Search America's historic newspaper pages from 1777-1963 or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. Chronicling America is sponsored jointly by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Library of Congress. This resource includes a wealth of information about the Star-Spangled Banner.

Important resource for bibliographic information concerning the many publications of the words and music of the Star-Spangled Banner. Includes a directory of early American music publishers as well as information about lithographers and artists working in the music publishing industry.

A well-documented history of the Star-Spangled Banner produced by the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Baltimore, Maryland. Includes appendices with facsimiles of historical documents as well as an extensive bibliography.

A short book inspired by the coalition of countries that fought together against North Korea in the Korean war. The book includes the stories of national anthems of the United States, Korea, England, Australia, Canada, France, and the Netherlands. In the section on the Star-Spangled Banner, Griffith misidentifies Dr. William Beanes as Dr. Barnes and retells the "traditional" story of the song, some of the details of which have been disproven.

A report requested by the Librarian of Congress that brings together the various versions of the songs listed in the title, along with an analysis of the existing literature on each subject.

The first comprehensive history of America's controversial national anthem and how it evolved from an English barroom ballad into a patriotic hit. Nearly every American knows The Star-Spangled Banner, the national anthem of the United States of America. Yet many people dislike the song, contend that it glorifies militarism, and question its suitability as the musical embodiment of nationhood. Even professional vocalists have trouble singing the multi-octave melody and remembering the words. So why in 1931 did Congress designate it as the official national anthem, more than a century after Francis Scott Key put pen to paper? Filled with fascinating, little-known facts drawn from a variety of primary sources, Star-Spangled Banner provides the first narrative history of this controversial song, which turns 200 years old in 2014. Marc Ferris's lively account, which traces the evolution of the song's instant popularity as well as its use and abuse by Americans of different political stripes, also explains the changing rituals surrounding the song, including the practice of standing--with hats removed and hand held over the heart--during public performances. This entertaining book will appeal to patriots of all persuasions, along with sports fans, musicians, veterans, history buffs, and anyone who has ever struggled to hit the high notes in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

More than just the tale of one flag and one song, The Star-Spangled Banner is the story of how Americans--often in times of crisis--have expressed their patriotism and defined their identity through the "broad stripes and bright stars" of our preeminent national symbol, a tradition that still thrives today. The original flag that inspired Francis Scott Key "by the dawn's early light" has been cared for by the Smithsonian since 1907. The dramatic story of this flag--and of the Smithsonian's effort to save it for posterity--are told here in this lavishly illustrated book that also explores the broader meaning of the flag in American life.
This resource is primarily about the Smithsonian Museum's efforts to restore the actual flag that flew over Fort McHenry in September 1814 rather than a history of the song.

Based chiefly on materials collected by Joseph Muller and acquired by the Library of Congress in 1935. Includes a short history of the publishing activities of the Carr family (p. 39-46). This is a valuable resource for identifying early printed editions of the Star-Spangled Banner.

What So Proudly We Hailed is the first full-length biography of Francis Scott Key in more than 75 years. In this fascinating look at early America, historian Marc Leepson explores the life and legacy of Francis Scott Key. Standing alongside Betsy Ross, Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, and John Hancock in history, Key made his mark as an American icon by one single and unforgettable act, writing "The Star-Spangled Banner." Among other things, Leepson reveals: * How the young Washington lawyer found himself in Baltimore Harbor on the night of September 13-14, 2014 * The mysterious circumstances surrounding how the poem he wrote, first titled "The Defense of Ft. M'Henry," morphed into the National Anthem * Key's role in forming the American Colonization Society, and his decades-long fervent support for that controversial endeavor that sent free blacks to Africa * His adamant opposition to slave trafficking and his willingness to represent slaves and freed men and women for free in Washington's courts * Key's role as a confidant of President Andrew Jackson and his work in Jackson's "kitchen cabinet" * Key's controversial actions as U.S. Attorney during the first race riot in Washington, D.C., in 1835. Publishing to coincide with the 200th anniversary of "The Star Spangled Banner" in 2014,What So Proudly We Hailed reveals unexplored details of the life of an American patriot whose legacy has been largely unknown until now.