Paige, Aimee, Ethan, and Daisy of Anderson Family Bluegrass astonished everyone in the little community of Grass Valley, California, when they sang “Get Down On Your Knees and Pray,” a classic by the legendary country singer Bill Monroe.
Released in 1951, “Get Down On Your Knees and Pray” is composed and sung by Bill Monroe, the “Father of Bluegrass,” and his Blue Grass Boys as part of the album “I’ll Meet You in Church Sunday Morning.”
The song became such a hit that it started getting notable attention decades after its initial release. Although countless talented country artists have released several covers over the years, the Anderson Family Bluegrass’s modern rendition is still on the top.
The family band started their career when featured on NPR’s California Report Weekly Magazine Radio Show in 2007. During one interview, the siblings expressed enthusiasm for making bluegrass music in the next few years.
Among their most popular cover performances was their rendition of the iconic song “Get Down On Your Knees and Pray,” to which they sang with a new, fresh tone.
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Anderson Family Bluegrass Version
Compared to the original, the Anderson Family’s version was more mellow and delicate than Monroe’s, giving that old bluegrass tune a fresh and modern spin.
Monroe’s version of the song was hoarse and energetic, and his selected tone gives country music a bit of an old dynamic vibe. The bends in the notes are particularly noticeable, making it distinct and, dare we say, more “Bluegrass” than ever.
But in the Anderson Family version, their raspy voice was subtle, complimenting the acoustic tune their guitar produces. Aside from that, the way that their youngest is the one who is singing the soprano notes is also something worth noting.
The way the family harmonized has caught the attention of millions. Most listeners know that “Get Down On Your Knees and Pray” is not an easy song to cover, but it seems like Anderson Family Bluegrass has proved to everyone that even at such a young age, they can already live up to everyone’s expectations.
Watch the Anderson Family Bluegrass siblings’ superb cover of Bill Monroe’s classic “Get Down On Your Knees and Pray” gospel song here.
