If you tune into the “Puppy Bowl” on Sunday, you’ll likely see a key person’s influence — even if you don’t actually see her.

Like so many famous songs of yore, "The Star-Spangled Banner" started as a poem, called “The Defence of Fort McHenry.” It was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 during the War of 1812.

Mickey Guyton Releases Powerful Rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ From Super Bowl LVI to Mark Three-Year Anniversary ...

Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics of "The Star-Spangled Banner." In 1940 ... becoming the first woman to serve in both ...

As such, it is appropriate to consider what the transition means for Black America, and how its musicians have interpreted the “Star Spangled Banner” during times of stress in our racial politics.