This audio story examines the history of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the countless ways it has been adapted by musicians.
After listening, make a list of the main points presented in it. Also, write down at least one question you had after listening.
You probably know about Francis Scott Key’s inspired poetry, drafted during the bombing of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, but where did the music come from? Is there a really a law that requires Americans to stand when it is played? Can it be sung in other languages? In this audio story, Leonard Slatkin, Music Director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (and former Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra), examines the history of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the countless ways it has been adapted by musicians, and the special role it played during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
The Defense of Fort McHenry
The Battle of Fort McHenry, through Francis Scott Key's Eyes
This Is the Story of Our Beloved Old Glory
Founding Fragments - Star-Spangled Souvenirs
Removing 1.7 Million Stitches in under a Year
Narrator
Leonard Slatkin
Audio Producer
Richard Paul
Producer
Kenny Neal
Published
August 30, 2019
Discover the multicultural heritage and history of the United States of America through explorations of immigrant life, the lives of legendary pioneers like Lewis and Clark, the modern political system, and significant works of American music, including our National Anthem.
How a captured poet penned the song that became the country’s national anthem.
Music and musicians play an important role in military life. From the history of "Taps" to the importance of the USO, to the African American pioneers of Navy music, this series explores the place of ceremonial, tactical and recreational music in the US military.
Eric Friedman
Director, Digital Learning
Kenny Neal
Manager, Digital Education Resources
Tiffany A. Bryant
Manager, Operations and Audience Engagement
JoDee Scissors
Content Specialist, Digital Learning
Generous support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Gifts and grants to educational programs at the Kennedy Center are provided by The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Bank of America; Capital One; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Carnegie Corporation of New York; The Ednah Root Foundation; Harman Family Foundation; William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust; the Kimsey Endowment; The Kiplinger Foundation; Laird Norton Family Foundation; Lois and Richard England Family Foundation; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; The Markow Totevy Foundation; Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; The Morningstar Foundation; Myra and Leura Younker Endowment Fund; The Irene Pollin Audience Development and Community Engagement Initiatives;
Prince Charitable Trusts; Dr. Deborah Rose and Dr. Jan A. J. Stolwijk; Rosemary Kennedy Education Fund; The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates; The Victory Foundation; The Volgenau Foundation; Volkswagen Group of America; Jackie Washington; GRoW @ Annenberg and Gregory Annenberg Weingarten and Family; Wells Fargo; and generous contributors to the Abe Fortas Memorial Fund and by a major gift to the fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger, widow of Abe Fortas. Additional support is provided by the National Committee for the Performing Arts..
The content of these programs may have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education but does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
