John Stafford Smith
A British composer whose tune for a drinking song became the national anthem of the United States.
1750–1836 (age 86)·British composer·Birthday: March 30
Biography
Born in Gloucester, John Stafford Smith was immersed in music from childhood as the son of a cathedral organist. He moved to London, becoming a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal and a respected organist. Beyond his church duties, Smith was a central figure in London's vibrant glee club scene, composing convivial catches and glees. His lasting, if accidental, fame stems from his composition 'To Anacreon in Heaven,' the official song of a London gentleman's club. Decades later, that melody was paired with Francis Scott Key's poem 'Defence of Fort M'Henry,' evolving into 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' A dedicated scholar, Smith also helped preserve the musical past, assembling one of the earliest significant collections of manuscripts by J.S. Bach.
#1 When John Was Born
The biggest hits of 1750
John's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1750Born
1755Started school
1763Became a teenager
1766Could drive
1768Could vote
1771Turned 21
1780Turned 30
1790Turned 40
1800Turned 50
1810Turned 60
1820Turned 70
1830Turned 80
1836Died at 86
Key Achievements
- Composed the music for 'To Anacreon in Heaven,' which later became the melody for the U.S. national anthem.
- Was appointed a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal, a prestigious musical position in the British royal household.
- Compiled 'Musica Antiqua,' a valuable early collection of manuscripts by composers like Bach and Handel.
- Served as the organist at the Chapel Royal for over two decades.
Did You Know?
He was a close friend of Johann Christian Bach, the youngest son of Johann Sebastian Bach.
The Anacreontic Society, for which he wrote his famous tune, was a club for amateur musicians and wealthy patrons.
His father, Martin Smith, was also the organist at Gloucester Cathedral.
The original manuscript for 'The Star-Spangled Banner' melody is held in the Library of Congress.
“Harmony is the soul of a glee, and the glee is the soul of harmony.”
