From baseball games to symphonic concerts, everyone in the U.S. has heard someone sing or play the National Anthem to honor the American flag. Very few, however, have seen “The Star-Spangled Banner” in pantomime. But a book exists that could change that. At one time, it was a bible for acting out Francis Scott Key’s… continue
The most famous three-part name linked to “The Star-Spangled Banner” is, of course, Francis Scott Key. In this bicentennial year of the composition of his ode to the American flag, it’s good to recall another name: Elsie Jorss Reilley, whose musical talent helped the poem become the National Anthem. From 1814 until 1931, when Congress… continue
September 14 celebrates the bicentennial of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The creation of the poem about the American flag involved coincidences, luck and deliberate decisions. A few days before he watched “the rockets’ red glare and bombs bursting in air,” Francis Scott Key had no idea he would witness the 1814 bombardment of Fort McHenry in… continue
Next month, the bicentennial of “The Star-Spangled Banner” will be commemorated. That means the 100th anniversary of the song honoring the American flag occurred in September 1914. Centennial events were held throughout America. Naturally, because Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to the National Anthem in Baltimore, the major focus of the song’s birthday occurred… continue
If every American sings loudly enough, Canadians and Mexicans might be able to hear “The Star-Spangled Banner” on Flag Day. That’s because every American is being invited to sing the National Anthem at 4 p.m. EDT on June 14. In addition, “The Star-Spangled Banner” — both the original manuscript of the words and the original… continue