Christmas may have come and gone but that doesn’t mean you can’t partake in the rest of the remaining days in the holiday season. This means you can still go around spreading goodwill and joy bringing in the New Year with wonderful music to soothe the soul.
As a matter of fact, you can also spread peace and joy to something as simple as a hymn, including a personal favorite ‘Amazing Grace’. And if singing is your thing, then you’re really going to love the Irish singing group, Celtic Thunder’s cover of this heartwarming and charming poem.
But before we get into the song itself, let’s just unwind the clock back a little bit and see how this soothing musical treasure came to be and who exactly is the group known as Celtic Thunder.
The Story Behind ‘Amazing Grace’
‘Amazing Grace‘ is one of the most delightful Christian hymns that you’ll ever come across. The song was published in 1779 though the words were written 7 years earlier in 1772 by an angelical clergyman and English poet John Newton.
If you were told that one of the most beautiful Christmas songs in the history of Christianity was written by a former slave trader known as John Newton, you would simply scoff at this revelation or call it ridiculous. But believe it or not, English poet and angelical clergyman John Newton didn’t exactly have any religious ambitions or motivations while growing up. His path to righteousness was due to a number of coincidences and twists that occurred in his life.
Perhaps the most alarming of his experiences revolved around the Atlantic slave trade where after his vessel got so severely damaged somewhere in Ireland, that he begged God for help and mercy. This is what drove him spiritual conversion later on and then started studying the religion of Christianity.
Then in 1764, he started writing hymns along with poet William Cowper. On New Year’s Day of 1773, Newton illustrated the sermon known as ‘Amazing Grace‘. Later on, it debuted in print in 1779. However, American composer William Walker set the tune of the hymn to “New Britain” in the format of the shape-note, which is the most frequently sung version today.
Who Is Celtic Thunder?
Celtic Thunder is a folk musical and singing group from Ireland that was formed in 2007. They are also a stage show known for their theatrical, eclectic style. Their live shows usually consist of highly choreographed staging, stunning visual effects, and dramatic set pieces.
Celtic Thunder’s ‘Amazing Grace’ Cover
And they definitely do not let anyone down with their beautiful cover of “Amazing Grace.” Each of their voices is a powerhouse of its own and when blended together creates a sound that is unique is what has made this group so popular and loved.
Listen below to their wonderful cover to one of the most beloved hymns of all time.
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