The Origins of the "Star Spangled Banner," in Six Minutes

By
Oscar Brand
NYPR Archives & Preservation | Sep 26, 2014

The Star Spangled Banner turns 200 this month. To commemorate, listen to the inimitable Oscar Brand explain in words and music its origins from a sheep-shearing song to the national anthem.

This is a live recording from a 1982 concert at the legendary Spencertown Academy Arts Center in upstate New York. It was broadcast on WNYC as part of the show "Folk Music Almanac," hosted by Dave Sear, who graciously donated the audio. Enjoy!

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Oscar Brand

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