LESLIE G. GRILES

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of "The Star-Spangled Banner," The Smithsonian National Museum of American History hosted "Raise It Up!" to unite the original manuscript with the flag at the Museum.

 

As part of the celebration, I was able to partner singer/songwriter Aloe Blacc, known for his songs "The Man" and "I Need a Dollar," with the museum for a special version of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Aloe's version then became part of the Smithsonian's permanent archives.