Favorite Hymns On Piano

At the Cross is probably one of the most popular and requests hymns that I play on Sunday Mornings. It’s written by Issac Watts and most of the history of this song are unknown. There are so many different arrangements which help keep this a very relevant hymn. One of my favorites is At The Cross, Official Performance Video, is from The Collingsworth Family when they played a beautiful violin rendition of this classic hymn reflecting on the powerful message of the cross and our Savior. Bill Gaither, The Gaither Vocal Band and Lynda Randle also made fantastic arrangements. This video was recorded at my childhood home in Camby Indaina #SundayHymns #Hymns #Piano #AtTheCross

The gospel song covered by many artists is a traditional song written back in 1925. A man named J.B.F Wright wrote this song. We often neglect to know who the person is behind the song that was recorded by famous artists. The story of “Precious Memories.” is the writer never had a good life, even when he published his song. Wright was only paid $36. He never received any royalties. He wrote the song when he lost his only child at the age of five. The loss of his child caused too much grief and pain to him, thus, the only thing he could do is to express himself by writing a song. “Precious Memories” are memories of Wright from his son and his childhood days. George Jones included Wright’s song “Precious Memories” in his gospel album The Gospel Collection. Furthermore, George collaborated with Patti Page for the recording.  Watch the YouTube Video here.  I also really like the Alan Jackson - Precious Memories Video and the Precious Memories Video by Patty Loveless #SundayHymns #Hymns #Piano

According to Wikipedia, "Farther Along" is an American Southern gospel song of contested signature. The song deals with a Christian's dismay at the apparent prosperity of the wicked, when contrasted with the suffering of the righteous. The repeated theme is that "farther along", the truth will be revealed.

There are several attributions for the authorship of this song. The oldest known print edition is in the 1911 hymnal Select Hymns for Christian Worship and General Gospel Service; its only attribution is "Arr. B. E. W.", referring to the hymnal editor Barney Elliott Warren. The song has also been recorded by Hank Williams, Glen Campbell, Van Dyke Parks, Pete Seeger, Roy Acuff, Johnny Cash, Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, Mississippi John Hurt, Bill Anderson, Ellen McIlwaine, Smoking Popes, Josh Garrels, Brad Paisley and the Million Dollar Quartet among others. Who doesn't love the The Peasall Sisters - Official Video for “Farther Along.   

Written almost two and a half centuries ago in 1772, the words for the beloved song were borne from the heart, mind and experiences of the Englishman John Newton. Knowing the story of John Newton's life as a slave trader and the journey he went through before writing the hymn will help to understand the depth of his words and his gratefulness for God's truly amazing grace.

Having lived through a rather unfortunate and troubled childhood (his mother passed away when he was just six years old), Newton spent years fighting against authority, going so far as trying to desert the Royal Navy in his twenties. Later, abandoned by his crew in West Africa, he was forced to be a servant to a slave trader but was eventually rescued. On the return voyage to England, a violent storm hit and almost sank the ship, prompting Newton to begin his spiritual conversion as he cried out to God to save them from the storm.  I love to hear the "Official video for “Amazing Grace [Live]” as told by  Wintley Phipps.   #SundayHymns #Hymns #Piano