WAMU 88.5FM American University Radio

The Star Spangled Banner - Behind The Music

Can you name the prominent Georgetown lawyer who was inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970 for a song that's hard to sing and nearly impossible to dance to? Yes, it's Francis Scott Key and a little number called the Star Spangled Banner. The anthem and how it was composed is fitting subject matter – both for July 4th and to launch our Fourth of July music special. Jim Bailey, a ranger at Baltimore's Ft. McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, brings us the story behind the anthem.

Our report was produced by Jen Hitt and Katy Daley.

The Oklahoma Twisters

From our national anthem we jump to a band that pays tribute to the 46th state to enter the union. The Western Swing dance band known as the Oklahoma Twisters visited our studios last August. But while their name says "Oklahoma," the band actually hails from the DC area.

Berta Rojas - Heart, Soul and Guitar

Originally from Paraguay, classical guitarist Berta Rojas has called the DC region home for several years. Last year, she released a CD called Alma y Corazon – Heart And Soul. It's a collection of duets with acoustic guitar virtuoso, Carlos Barbosa Lima. She stopped by with her guitar back in November. We hear part of our conversation with Berta Rojas and an excerpt from her in-studio performance.

Link Wray - 50 Years of the Power Chord

Fifty years ago, guitarist Link Wray released his now-classic instrumental "Rumble." Link recorded the song right here in DC, and it popularized the power chord - the distorted, ear-splitting sound that is a cornerstone of rock and roll. We remember Link Wray and his hugely influential homegrown invention.

Our piece on Link Wray is part of an occasional series on Washington music history. It was produced by Lex Gillespie, with funds from the DC commission on the arts and humanities, and the national endowment for the arts. Our interview with Link Wray comes thanks to Fresh Air with Terry Gross, which is produced in Philadelphia by WHYY.

The Hall Monitors

The phrase 'garage band' means different things to different people. For some, it conjures up classic images of teenage musicians rehearsing in their parent's garage. But for other's... it's a SOUND. A raw rock and roll sound. Rough, untamed. Not too slickly produced. Bursting with the energy of early rock and roll – as filtered through the psychedelic explosion of the mid-1960's.

We remember our session with The Hall Monitors – who proudly claim the garage band title. Sean Crowley on guitar and vocals, Ginger Richards, also on guitar and Matthew Sullivan on bass.

The Washington Balalaika Society

For nearly 20 years, the Washington Balalaika Society has been keeping the tradition of that triangle-shaped, Russian stringed instrument alive and well in the DC region. Musicians in the 'WBS' range in age from eight to eighty. And with more than FIFTY claiming membership, the group boasts it is the largest balalaika contingent in the United States. Stephanie Kaye attended a rehearsal in November and spoke with music director Maxwell McCullough.

Reuben Jackson - Remembering Buddy Miles

Writer Reuben Jackson remembers the music scene in the early 1970's in Washington - and reflects on the great rock and soul drummer, Buddy Miles, who passed away in February.

Reuben Jackson is a writer living - and listening to music - in Washington.