American Anthem
NPR's ongoing series on music that challenges, unites and celebrates
- "The Star-Spangled Banner" has been played at major sporting events as far back as the Civil War, even before it was officially named the national anthem. How and why did the tradition stick?
- Written in the thick of World War II, Aaron Copland's piece seems to have hope woven between its notes. Why are so many who hear it, from presidents to prog rockers, still so moved?