"His legalwork resulted in the freedom of at least 189 people.”Īnd, while Key would be flattered that we sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" almost to the exclusion of every other patriotic tune, "he'd also think it was crazy."Ĭlague outlines all of that and much, much more in a vibrantly readable new book, "O Say Can You Hear? A Cultural Biography of 'The Star-Spangled Banner,'" (W.W. As an attorney, he prosecuted abolitionists, but “he also fought on behalf of Black Americans fighting for their freedom in court," Clague says. July 4th at the National Archives is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of John Hancock, AARP, and Dykema.Likewise, Key isn't necessarily what we think he was, even though he owned slaves. The book raises important questions about the banner what it meant in 1814, what it means to us today, and why it matters. An entire chapter is devoted to some of the most famous performances of the anthem, from Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock to Roseanne Barr at a baseball game to the iconic Whitney Houston version from the 1991 Super Bowl. Examining the origins of both text and music, alternate lyrics and translations, and the song’s use in sports, at times of war, and for political protest, he argues that the anthem’s meaning reflects-and is reflected by-the nation’s quest to become a more perfect union. EDT Register View on YouTubeĪuthor Mark Clague will discuss the history of America’s national anthem, the stories of the song and the nation it represents, and its powerful meaning today.
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