The Resume

(August 2, 1779-January 11, 1843)
Born in Carroll County, Maryland
Wrote 'The Defense of Fort McHenry,' better known as 'The Star-Spangled Banner' (1814)
Inducted into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame (1970)

Why he might be annoying:

He wrote a patriotic verse, then set it to the tune of a British drinking song.
He chose a song with a one-and-half octave range, making it easy to butcher.
He wrote four verses, but almost no one knows any but the first.
He prosecuted would-be presidential assassin Richard Lawrence, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity (1835).
He is the namesake of a bridge in Washington, DC notorious for its traffic congestion.

Why he might not be annoying:

He witnessed the Battle of Fort McHenry while negotiating the release of a prisoner held by the British.
The flag that inspired 'The Star-Spangled Banner' is on display at the Smithsonian.
His distant relation F. Scott Fitzgerald was named after him.
'The Star-Spangled Banner' was named the national anthem of the United States (March 3, 1931).

Credit: C. Fishel

Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

• Attorney
• C. Fishel's Profiles [Series 03]
• Gil Scott-Heron's 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised' References
• I am on a U.S. Postage Stamp [H-L]
• I Messed up the National Anthem
• Look at Me, I'm Postage
• My Song Inspired a Hannah Montana Episode Title
• My Song Was Covered By Whitney Houston
• My Statue was Toppled/Removed [2020]
• Profiles 20001-20250 (Ranked: 20205)
• Satirized on Animaniacs
• Satirized on Rocky and Bullwinkle
• Served in the War of 1812
• Subjects of 'Drunk History'
• The Chipmunks Covered My Song

Year In Review:

For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 6 Votes: 83.33% Annoying
In 2023, Out of 6 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
In 2022, Out of 4 Votes: 0% Annoying
In 2021, Out of 23 Votes: 39.13% Annoying
In 2020, Out of 9 Votes: 22.22% Annoying
In 2019, Out of 12 Votes: 41.67% Annoying
In 2018, Out of 182 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2017, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2016, Out of 5 Votes: 80.0% Annoying
In 2015, Out of 18 Votes: 11.11% Annoying
In 2014, Out of 12 Votes: 41.67% Annoying
In 2013, Out of 15 Votes: 53.33% Annoying
In 2012, Out of 17 Votes: 29.41% Annoying
In 2011, Out of 14 Votes: 28.57% Annoying
In 2010, Out of 29 Votes: 44.83% Annoying
In 2009, Out of 28 Votes: 28.57% Annoying
In 2008, Out of 37 Votes: 45.95% Annoying
In 2007, Out of 93 Votes: 48.39% Annoying