#WVBus: The History Of The National Anthem, From Francis Scott Key To Jimi Hendrix

In this 1970 file photo, Jimi Hendrix performs on the Isle of Wight in England.
In this 1970 file photo, Jimi Hendrix performs on the Isle of Wight in England. File / AP Photo
In this 1970 file photo, Jimi Hendrix performs on the Isle of Wight in England.
In this 1970 file photo, Jimi Hendrix performs on the Isle of Wight in England. File / AP Photo

#WVBus: The History Of The National Anthem, From Francis Scott Key To Jimi Hendrix

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The fiftieth anniversary of Woodstock is coming up next month. Jimi Hendrix famously performed a version of the national anthem there that wowed some and offended others. Hendrix’s rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” has captivated Mark Clague for years. Clague is associate professor of musicology and associate dean for undergraduate academic affairs at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. He is also the founding board chair of the Star Spangled Music Foundation and editor and producer of the “Star Spangled Songbook.” Clague joined us during the Worldview Great Lakes road trip earlier this month when we stopped in Ann Arbor, Michigan to talk about how “The Star-Spangled Banner” resonates today. 

The Worldview bus tour visited communities throughout the Great Lakes region for a week as we celebrate the show’s twenty-fifth year on air. From water insecurity in Flint to indigenous rights in Kalamazoo, we are sharing stories that allow you to experience the world through the communities in your own backyard.