Merle Haggard’s Beautiful Rendition of “Amazing Grace”

“Amazing Grace” and Its Many versions

“Amazing Grace” is the most popular of the Christian hymns. Many people know this and it is commonly sung in churches or congregations. There is more than 7,000 cover version of the song “Amazing Grace” performed by many artists from different genre according to All Music.

Here are some artists who covered the Hymn “Amazing Grace.”

• Mahalia Jackson 1948
• Johnny Paycheck 1967
• Connie Smith 1971
• Merle Haggard 1971
• Elvis Presley 1972
• Aretha Franklin 1972
• Glen Campbell 1973

Songwriter

The song was written by John Newton in 1779. It was said that Newton wrote the lyrics of the song based on his experience in life. Before Newton found God, he first entered the Navy. After that, he was involved in slave trading. It was in 1764 when Newton entered the Church of England that he was able to meet God and so he focused on Him. When the song was written, it was not sure if the words were already accompanied with a tune.

The Meaning of the Song

“Amazing Grace” is a popular hymn because of the message of the song. Aside from the simple words used that can be easily remembered, the story of the song catches people’s attention. “Amazing Grace” is a song of hope, a redemption that despite all the sins we have committed, God will always save us. In addition, God loves us so much that He forgives us from all the wretched things we did.

Merle Haggard’s Version

There are many artists who covered the song “Amazing Grace.” Today we’ll listen to Merle Haggard’s recording of the song. Merle recorded the song in 1971 as part of his album The Land of Many Churches. The album was a live album recorded in four different places. He recorded the song in Big Creek Baptist Church, Assembly of God Tabernacles, San Quentin’s Garden Chapel, and also in Nashville’s Union Rescue Mission. Aside from his recording of “Amazing Grace” he also included other traditional hymns and gospel songs such as, “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Precious Memories,” and “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.” Sadly, none of his singles were able to enter the Billboard chart. However, his album The Land of Many Churches placed at No. 15 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

Here is the beautiful version of “Amazing Grace” by Merle Haggard.

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