Re-tuning is the term used for giving a new melody to an old lyric. John Newton first published “Let Us Love, and Sing, and Wonder” in his book Twenty Six Letters on Religious Subjects (1774), pages 218-19. In this collection, it was entitled “Praise to the Redeemer.” He also included it in Olney Hymns (1779), pages 218-219. […]
Re-tuning “Let Us Love, and Sing, and Wonder” (John Newton) Read More »
‘Tis the season. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head The stars in the Heavens looked down where He lay The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes I
On Writing Hymns: Stakes, continued: Martin Luther vs. Fake Martin Luther Read More »
Great hymns matter. This is true in several senses of the word. But great hymn lyrics demonstrate that they matter by defining stakes. Any good book on how to write a novel, or engaging nonfiction, will tell you that conflict is key. Every scene needs to resolve a conflict. In real life, plenty of conversations involve
On Writing Hymns: Stakes Read More »
When should you ask your church to stop singing a song? Imagine three scenarios: The song is cheesy Okay, perhaps “Shout to the Lord” is dated now. Maybe you think it’s cheesy; maybe it is. But here’s the key question: Does everyone in your church think the song is cheesy? If so, retire it. But
When should you ask your church to stop singing a song? Read More »
This post was the final post on Southern Gospel Journal. Let’s finish this project by placing the spotlight on what matters most. To survive and thrive in the future, Southern Gospel needs young talent. We need to encourage talented young singers who love this music, because if there’s going to be a Southern Gospel worth
The Power of the Cross Read More »
Yesterday morning at church, we were singing one of the grand old hymns of the faith. How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word! What more can He say than to you He hath said, You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled? The song
Never, No Never, No Never Forsake. Read More »
This has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. But “to every thing there is a season,” and this season is coming to an end: I have decided to retire Southern Gospel Journal in early June. For my entire adult life, writing a post every morning has been the only routine I have
Southern Gospel Journal to retire in June Read More »
This year, the Inspirations celebrate their fiftieth anniversary. Let’s commemorate this landmark milestone by looking at their top ten greatest albums. #10: Two Shoes (1998) The Inspirations’ Canaan era made them legends. After signing with Crossroads, they quickly returned to the top of the genre. Two Shoes is the strongest release of the interregnum. It contained
The Inspirations at 50: Their Ten Greatest Albums Read More »
In the mid-1950s, Duane Nicholson (tenor), Neil Enloe (lead), Don Baldwin (baritone), Dave Kyllonen (bass), and Eddie Reece (piano) started performing together as The Couriers. Within about a decade, Baldwin and Reece had left, but Nicholson, Enloe, and Kyllonen carried the group forward as a trio, with Kyllonen moving up to baritone. They retired the
Look at what the Couriers did. Do that. Read More »
During his lifetime, Charles Wesley wrote over 6,000 hymns. One of his best-known, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” was composed in 1739. The first three verses are quite familiar: 1. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Forgotten Verses #9: Hark! The Herald Angels Song Read More »