There are probably very few people who are not familiar with the song Amazing Grace. It has been sung by countless choirs, recorded by numerous artists in multiple languages, enjoyed by young and old, and dubbed the most popular song on earth.
Behind the song Amazing Grace is a lot of history. With the recordings of history comes different accounts, some true and some false. One thing for sure, it was penned by John Newton. A number of legends circulate worldwide why John Newton, a slave-trader-turned-minister, penned the hymn. Regardless of the exact reason, its message embodies hope, faith and courage, even in times of the bitterest despair. While Newton supplied the lyrics, the tune sung today arrived much later.
Welcome into the spotlight...
Judy Collins: singer & author who has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism
Judy Collins is a folk-pop singer renown for her clear, crisp soprano voice who rose to fame in the 60s and 70s. Her musical talent began with classical piano at an early age with her first performance at the age of 13. In her teens, Collins' interest veered into folk music. She learned to play the guitar and began performing in local clubs in 1959. Her first commercial hit was in 1967 with 'Both Sides Now'.
Today, Judy Collins in her seventies continues to be socially active, recording and performing. Her musical creativity voices music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart.
1970 'Amazing Grace' by Judy Collins entered the UK singles chart for the first of eight times, it spent a total of 67 weeks on the chart, the longest run by a female artist. 'Amazing Grace' is a Christian hymn with lyrics written by the English poet and clergyman John Newton which was first published in 1779. "Amazing Grace" has been featured on more than 1,100 albums. Judy Collins' version reached the pop charts in the United Kingdom and the United States. This was during a time of turbulence as U.S. military forces were mired in an unpopular war in Vietnam.
"The song, Amazing Grace, has the power to transform and to heal." ~Judy Collins
No.1 singles on this day through the decades...
No.1 album chart toppers on this day...
Yes, it really happened...
1968 The release of The Rolling Stones’ new album Beggar’s Banquet, was celebrated at a party in London. A food fight with custard pies was the highlight of the event that went on without an ill Keith Richards. The original cover for the LP was in the form of a plain white invitation, but was later changed.
2009 In an interview with the UK daily newspaper The Guardian, George Michael said he had cut back on his cannabis intake and now only smoked 'seven or eight' spliffs per day instead of the 25 he used to smoke.
And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...
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