|
Amazing Grace
|
|
|
A one-time sailor and slave trader, John Newton (1725-1807)
abandoned his profligate life after nearly perishing in a storm at sea.
Becoming an Anglican minister, he kept his congregations in awe with his
hellfire-and-brimstone sermons, which he preached in his stentorian voice while
wearing his sea captain's uniform. He also was famed for hymn texts such as
"Amazing Grace." Newton's moving confessional lyrics were coupled with an
anonymous American melody and first published in a "shape-note" hymnal in 1831.
A wider secular audience discovered it in 1971, when Judy Collins' recording became
a pop hit. The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards--with a full complement of bagpipes--
cemented "Amazing Grace's" popularity the following year. But its true domain
is America's houses of worship, where it remains a corner stone of the faith.
For An Amazing [Grace] Video - PLAY
Note: Most MIDI
files are downloadable... ~ CLICK HERE ~!
 |
|
 |
