Written in 1921, I first heard this song as a parody on Chet Atkins’ and Mark Knopfler’s Neck and Neck album. When it showed up on Ben Hall‘s debut CD, IContinue readingThere’ll Be Some Changes Made
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Smile, Darn Ya, Smile
Smile, Darn Ya, Smile is a song out of the Great Depression. It was written in 1931 and used in a cartoon short of the same name. It got itsContinue readingSmile, Darn Ya, Smile
Airport Encounter
A chance encounter in an airport provides a soothing opportunity for grace. … Continue readingAirport Encounter
Down in the River to Pray
Down in the River to Pray is an Appalachian tune that gained popularity with the release of Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? in 2000. The song appears in Slave SongsContinue readingDown in the River to Pray
Thumbpicking Jam at Mountain View
It was the third weekend in May, and so I was back at the Ozark Folk Center for Thumbpicking Weekend. … Continue readingThumbpicking Jam at Mountain View
Maggie (with The Champions)
Moving to Oklahoma meant being separated from my friends in Indiana by many, many miles. During the seven years we lived there, I made lots of musical friends, including membersContinue readingMaggie (with The Champions)
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Last fall, a delegation from the Disciples of Christ in the Democratic Republic of Congo visited Indiana. It was my honor on several occasions during their visit to make musicContinue readingWhat a Friend We Have in Jesus
Over the Rainbow
After posting Sadie for my great niece, I realized that I didn’t have a song for her older brother. That just wasn’t right. I had been working on Over theContinue readingOver the Rainbow
Come We That Love the Lord
Join in a song with sweet accord,And thus surround the throne. That text concludes the first verse of Come We That Love the Lord, a hymn text written by Isaac WattsContinue readingCome We That Love the Lord
Barton Stone on Singing
The subject in a very happy state of mind would sing most melodiously, not from the mouth or nose, but entirely in the breast, the sounds issuing thence. … Continue readingBarton Stone on Singing