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There was a movement during the John F. Kennedy administration to legally make "American the Beautiful" legal status as a national anthem equal with "The Star Spangled Banner", but this never succeeded in becomming national law. Some people prefer "America the Beautiful", saying it is easier to sing, more melodic, and more adaptable to new orchestrations while still remaining easily recognizable than is the "Star Spangled Banner".
The words are by Katharine Lee Bates, first composed in 1893, atop Pikes Peak, with amended versions in 1904 and 1913. The traditional music is by Samuel A. Ward; it was composed in 1882 as his hymn, 'Materna.'
Popularity of the song soared following the September 11, 2001 attacks, with the song becoming co-equal at many sporting events where previously only the national anthem was sung.