Composers

The melody was taken from "To Anacreon in Heaven," a drinking song of the Anacreontic Society (of London) that was written by the British composer John Stafford Smith (born in 1750).

Much to many anthem singers regret Walter. The tune is rather wide ranging in its tonal breadth. There have been movements in the past to switch to "America The Beautiful" which is more pleasant to sing. My vote goes to "Rally 'Round The Flag" which has a gorgeous tune but too many memories of it's connection to the cause of the North.