The Star-Spangled Banner: Music Analysis

I do consider Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” to be a valid example of music (not simply noise and absence of noise, strung together). This particular instance of music vs. noise seems more cut-and-dry than some of the lesser-known musical stylings we’ve experienced this week, because Hendrix is an internationally-acclaimed musician who used a well-accepted musical instrument, the electric guitar, to play the historically and culturally validated US national anthem. However, he proceeded to alter the original composition by emoting through the wailing – which sounds almost like human crying – of his guitar riffs; at times, he even used somewhat discordant notes to insert a personalized “voice” into the traditional tune.
Interestingly, I had not previously seen this video and several thoughts struck me as I watched it and listened to Hendrix’s version of the song, in its entirety. While I doubt any American or member of western society would argue that the performance does include music, I can also see how some individuals, primarily during that Woodstock timeframe, may have perceived the musician’s liberties with

Hendrix’s facial expressions seem respectful, almost worshipful, as he strays from the original score, and I believe his expressions are related to more than simple love of the music itself. I would interpret his expressions to mean he continues to respect the country and its anthem, but the notes flowing from his fingertips share secrets of the Americans who were trying to insert their own voices…calling to be heard, to engender equality, and to carve out positive change within a longstanding