""Amazing Grace" is a Christian hymn with words written by English poet and clergyman John Newton (1725–1807), published in 1779. With a message that forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of the sins people commit and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God, "Amazing Grace" is one of the most recognizable songs in the English-speaking world.
Newton wrote the words from personal experience. He grew up without any particular religious conviction but his life's path was formed by a variety of twists and coincidences that were often put into motion by his recalcitrant insubordination. He was pressed into the Royal Navy and became a sailor, eventually participating in the slave trade. One night a terrible storm battered his vessel so severely that he became frightened enough to call out to God for mercy, a moment that marked the beginning of his spiritual conversion. His career in slave trading lasted a few years more until he quit going to sea altogether and began studying theology."
It has had particular influence in folk music, and become an emblematic African American spiritual. Its universal message has been a significant factor in its crossover into secular music. "Amazing Grace" saw a resurgence in popularity in the U.S. during the 1960s and has been recorded thousands of times during and since the 20th century, sometimes appearing on popular music charts."
"Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believ'd!
Thro' many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis'd good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be forever mine.
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believ'd!
Thro' many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis'd good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be forever mine.
John Newton, Olney Hymns, 1779"
Let's see some interpretations:
| Elvis Presley | |
|---|---|
 Publicity photo for Jailhouse Rock (1957) | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Elvis Aaron Presley |
| Born | January 8, 1935 Tupelo, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | August 16, 1977 (aged 42) Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock and roll, pop, rockabilly,country, blues, gospel, R&B |
| Occupations | Musician, actor |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, piano |
| Years active | 1953–77 |
| Labels | Sun, RCA Victor |
| Associated acts | The Blue Moon Boys, The Jordanaires, The Imperials |
| Website | elvis.com |
| LeAnn Rimes | |
|---|---|
 LeAnn Rimes in October 2009 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Margaret LeAnn Rimes |
| Born | August 28, 1982 Jackson, Mississippi, United States |
| Origin | Dallas, Texas |
| Genres | Country, pop |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, actress, author |
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Labels | Curb |
| Associated acts | Eddie Cibrian, Ronan Keating,Brian McFadden, Marc Broussard |
| Website | Official Website |
| Charlotte Church | |
|---|---|
 Church performing at Selfridges in 2005 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Charlotte Maria Reed |
| Born | 21 February 1986 Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales |
| Origin | Cardiff, Wales |
| Genres | Pop, Celtic, classical, classical crossover, operatic pop |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Labels | Sony BMG (1998-2006) Power Amp Music (2010-Present) |
| Website | charlottechurch.co |
Now, turn up the sound volume even more, after Hayley talks and starts singing !
| Hayley Westenra | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Hayley Dee Westenra |
| Born | 10 April 1987 Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Genres | Classical, pop, Celtic, operatic pop |
| Occupations | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals, Piano, guitar, violin, recorder |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Labels | Universal Records New Zealand Decca Records |
| Associated acts | Celtic Woman, Andrea Bocelli, Ennio Morricone |
| Website | http://www.hayleywestenra.com/ |
"Hayley Dee Westenra (born 10 April 1987)[1][2] is a New Zealand soprano, classical crossover artist,[3] songwriter and UNICEF Ambassador. Her first internationally released album, Pure, reached No. 1 on the UK classical charts in 2003 and has sold more than two million copies worldwide. Pure is the fastest-selling international début classical album to date, having made Westenra an international star at age 16. In August 2006, she joined the Irish group Celtic Woman, was featured on their Celtic Woman: A New Journey CD and DVD, toured with them on their 2007 Spring Tour, and also was featured on their DVD, The Greatest Journey: Essential Collection, released in 2008.
Across classical music to easy listening, folk and pop style songs, Christchurch soprano Hayley Westenra has performed songs in English, Celtic, Welsh, Italian, German, French,Portuguese, Latin, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese and Māori from west to east, from north to south all around the world.[3][4][5][6][7][8]
Westenra has performed for dignitaries around the world. She is the second youngestUNICEF Ambassador to date and has contributed to charities around the world."
 |
| ELVIS PRESLEY First Day Covers, with pictorial postmark |
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Happy Pink Saturday! (still open on Sunday!)
Please visit "Pretty in pink"/ "Show us your pink" [objects, that is :)] meme here:
