It has been a harrowing week to close out an incomprehensible first year under the current president. This week, it is especially hard to find any reason to smile. So we have decided to pay homage to a song of healing and redemption: “Amazing Grace.”
The iconic hymn, meant to inspire hope in the wake of tragedy, has become a “spiritual national anthem,” though its roots are English.
The lyrics of “Amazing Grace” were penned by John Newton, a British poet, clergyman, and slave trader-turned-abolitionist, in 1772, though it wasn’t immediately set to music. The poem made its way across the pond in the early 19th century, and then American composer William Walker set Newton’s words to “New Britain,” a traditional melody.
The song quickly became an integral part of the American tapestry, sung by Christian denominations in all corners of the young country. It was performed at tent revivals and became an anti-slavery ode. During the Civil War, the song was included in hymnals given to soldiers.
The song has been professionally recorded more than 1,000 times by singers as diverse as Elvis Presley, Jessye Norman, Willie Nelson and Mahalia Jackson. Jackson’s 1947 gospel version of “Amazing Grace” received significant radio airplay, popularizing the song around the country.
Jackson helped elevate it to a powerful anthem for the Civil Rights Movement, singing the song at the March on Washington and other rallies led by Martin Luther King Jr.
It also became an anti-war song. Folk singer Judy Collins recorded an a cappella version in 1970, which became a certified hit. “I didn’t know what else to do about the war in Vietnam. I had marched, I had voted, I had gone to jail on political actions and worked for the candidates I believed in. The war was still raging. There was nothing left to do, I thought ... but sing ‘Amazing Grace,’” Collins said.
The popularity of playing “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes can be attributed to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, who recorded a version replete with the famous Scottish pipes in 1972.
We have chosen to highlight country music great Alan Jackson’s version for its simplicity and clarity. He filmed the video for “Amazing Grace” at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the former home of the Grand Ole Opry. The Ryman is often called the “Mother Church of Country Music,” and Jackson felt it the perfect spot to perform the classic song.
The song embodies the struggles of our shared humanity against oppression, sadly, what we are now facing from our own government. We all need to hear its message of salvation, unity, and perseverance.
Note: We understand some of you have issues with our continued use of Spotify for the Reason to Smile playlist. We hear you and are working to set up the playlist on a different platform. Watch this space for the link coming soon. Thank you for your feedback.
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Stay Steady,
Dan
