“The magic of history is that the simple, received wisdom we have turns out to be just one part of the story, and we discover a lot about ourselves when we go deeper into it.” – Mark Clague
In this episode of Deviate, Rolf deep-dives into the Star Spangled Banner, covering topics including the origins and historical backdrop for the writing of Star Spangled Banner (9:20); the irony of using a British melody for the United States national anthem, and the “lost stanzas” of the original poem (23:12); the song’s complicated history, including specific criticisms (35:00); and the evolution of the song in tandem with our national identity (44:00).
This week’s expert, Mark Clague (@usmusicscholar), is a musicology professor at the University of Michigan. He has researched all forms of music in the United States; his recent projects focus on the United States national anthem.
For more information on Mark, please check out his Star Spangled Music website, his Star Spangled Songbook, his Poets & Patriots music compilation, and his podcast.
Notable Links
- Francis Scott Key (lawyer and poet)
- War of 1812
- Fort McHenry
- Woodstock (festival)
- To Anacreon in Heaven (song)
- Broadside ballad (music type)
- Gentlemen’s Club (traditional British social club)
- Anacreontic Society (music-themed gentlemen’s club)
- Jimi Hendrix (musician)
- Alexander Hamilton (Founding Father)
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (composer)
- Joseph Haydn (composer)
- When the Warrior Returns by Francis Scott Key (poem)
- Oh Say, Do You Hear (“Abolitionist Star Spangled Banner”)
- Corps of Colonial Marines
- America (Neil Diamond song)
- God Bless the USA (Lee Greenwood song)
- Performances and adaptations of The Star-Spangled Banner
Mentioned renditions of the Star Spangled Banner
- Marvin Gaye rendition of Star Spangled Banner (at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game)
- “The All-Star Anthem,” from Grantland
- Jimi Hendrix rendition of Star Spangled Banner (at the Woodstock Festival)
- “When Jimi Hendrix Protested the National Anthem on a National Stage,” From SPIN
- José Feliciano rendition of Star Spangled Banner (at 1968 MLB World Series)
- “A Polarizing Performance by Jose Feliciano in 1968,” from the New York Times
- Whitney Houston rendition of Star Spangled Banner (at 1991 Super Bowl)
- “When Whitney Hit the High Note,” from ESPN
The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber.
Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we’re happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.
