The song, “American Anthem,” was written by songwriter Gene Scheer and was first sung by Denyce Graves in 1998 for President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton at the Smithsonian Institution ...

It actually became one. Lauren Lancaster/The New York Times Gene Scheer, author of the song “American Anthem,” at his home in Washington, Conn., Jan. 21, 2021.

Norah Jones recorded a stripped-down, piano-backed version of American Anthem as the theme song to documentarian Ken Burn's miniseries The War. The War explored the US involvement in World War II.

President Biden quoted the song “American Anthem” during the 2024 Democratic National Convention. It’s not the first time he’s referenced it.

Sometimes, a song isn't just a song: It's shorthand for an idea. Hear the music of NPR's American Anthem series, on songs that rouse, unite, celebrate and call to action.

Gene Scheer, author of the song “American Anthem,” at his home in Washington, Conn., Jan. 21, 2021. When President Joe Biden quoted Scheer’s song in his inaugural address, it solidified its ...

The song, “American Anthem,” was written by songwriter Gene Scheer and was first sung by Denyce Graves in 1998 for President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton at the Smithsonian Institution ...

So after writing “American Anthem,” he played it for Graves, one of the leading Carmens of her day, whom he knew from his occasional work at the Metropolitan Opera. She loved it.