As such, it is appropriate to consider what the transition means for Black America, and how its musicians have interpreted the “Star Spangled Banner” during times of stress in our racial politics.

Marian Anderson, noted contralto, sings "The Star Spangled Banner" at the dedication of a mural commemorating her free public concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday in 1939.

Marian Anderson recording at Webster Hall with her accompanist Franz Rupp in August 1961. ... In 1961, she sang The Star-Spangled Banner at President Kennedy's inauguration. "Trampin' " ...

Exhilarating, glorious, lung-busting: There are countless words that capture Whitney Houston’s rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which the late singer performed 30 years ago, at Super ...

One of the first musicians to interpret the “Star Spangled Banner” in a way that displayed a Black consciousness was the piano prodigy known as “Blind Tom.” ...

Marian Anderson recording at Webster Hall with her accompanist Franz Rupp in August 1961. ... In 1961, she sang The Star-Spangled Banner at President Kennedy's inauguration. "Trampin' " ...