Ellington, who was awarded a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to art and culture, was incredibly innovative, and his take on the national anthem – which feels classic, yet refreshing – doesn’t disappoint.

Here’s a look back at 15 of the best “Star-Spangled Banner” performances – from soulful balladry to all-out guitar shreds – proving that “traditional” doesn’t always need to be dull.Ĭlick to load video 14: Duke Ellington (The Duke Ellington Carnegie Hall Concerts: January 1943, 1943)Ĭharismatic composer, pianist, and bandleader Duke Ellington would occasionally open his live shows with “The Star-Spangled Banner.” With its driving brass section and cheery percussion, his jazz orchestra’s uptempo version harkens back to the home-front patriotism of the 40s. Over the decades, many of the country’s biggest stars have tackled the song (some better than others), making their mark on the hallowed tune. Performed regularly at sports games and ceremonial events, a handful of singers and musicians have the chance to perform the song live each year, as audiences listen with bated breath. With its wide range of notes, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is considered to be one of the most challenging songs to sing. With a melody borrowed from ‘To Anacreon In Heaven’, a popular tune at the time, the song was christened ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.” It was recognized for use by the US Navy in 1889 and was established as the US national anthem in 1931, under President Herbert Hoover. Inspired, he wrote a poem, entitled “Defence of Fort M’Henry,” which was soon published in a daily newspaper and, not long after, adapted into a song.

Upon his release, during the early hours of September 14, 1814, Key was heartened to see that the American flag (also referred to as the “Star-Spangled Banner”) was still flying – marking a victorious fight by his country.

While there, he became privy to strategic battle plans and was held captive for the night, where he helplessly witnessed the Battle Of Baltimore. The War Of 1812 was in its final months when lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key boarded a British ship to negotiate the release of several American prisoners.

Words of the star spangled banner song