Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to America's national anthem, now known as "The Star-Spangled Banner," in 1814. While being held captive by the British, Key observed British ships attack Fort McHenry. He was inspired "by the dawn's early light" that the American flag, with only 15 stars and 15 stripes, "was still there" after the battle. He titled his poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry."
He later set the words of his poem to the tune of a popular English song, "The Anacreontic Song." A little more than a century later "The Star-Spangled Banner" was officially made the national anthem of the United States of America.
Patriotic Americans have been so inspired by the song over the years that many of our favorite artists have belted out beautiful renditions of "The Star-Spangled Banner." And those who rock on the guitar have shredded some powerful notes and chords to the tune of America's national anthem. What are our favorite rock renditions? Have a listen below.
Jimi Hendrix
Hendrix played "The Star Spangled Banner" many times over the course of his career, but he is most notably known for this rendition, played at Woodstock in 1969. It's stars and stripes gone psychadelic.
Metallica
You caught us. Metallica is one of our favorite bands.
Slash
Sure, he was born in London, but he moved to Los Angeles as a kid. He's a rock icon, which is enough to have his performance make this list. But this performance itself, with Srgt. Corey Lamel of the United States Marine Corps being honored, was incredible.
Joe Satriani
Satriani has toured with the likes of Mick Jagger and Deep Purple, so I had no doubt this would be good. This rendition managed to blow us away, though.
Steve Vai
Vai toured with David Lee Roth and White Snake, and even recorded with Ozzy Osborne. He was previously a student of Joe Satriani, but did the student surpass the teacher when it comes to patriotic guitar solos?
Need to get your air guitar fix? Check out Live365's station directory.
Article image: PIRO4D [Creative Commons CC0], from Pixabay.
