The world's most famous Gospel song recorded by our skilled team of musicians. Also incldes other notable Christian selections. This album includes lots of acoustic guitar versions throughout. Enjoy and be inspired! AMAZING GRACE / THE SONG John Newton's Amazing Grace is the not only the best known Gospel song in the world, it also happens to be one the most recorded songs among entertainment's most notables, from Arlo to Elvis to Aretha Franklin and hundreds more. Judy Collin's a capella version from the 1970's charted high and is still considered one of her greatest recordings. For such a song as Amazing Grace, written back in the 1700's, to continue as one of history's most popular right up to the current times is nothing less than...well, amazing. This new version by Judy Hall is recorded in a relaxed mode with only a folk acoustic guitar backup by Jordan Lee. We've also included a guitar instrumental version of the same song by popular request. Also we've added two piano selections and our own 'Keep Me Hungry' track by vocalist Robin Shuford. Sam Pacetti is guest guitaist with his fingerstyle guitar classic, Emmanuel... Kinnon Thomas recites the words on the first, with music on the remaining track... The sound & message is both simple up to date; it's the timeless message of salvation through faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ. AMAZING GRACE (lyrics) 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 snare, I have already come; 'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised 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 profess, within the vail, 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 for ever mine. ____ ABOUT JOHN NEWTON John Newton wrote the words to one of the most beloved hymns of all time between 1760 and 1770, while working as an evangelical pastor. Son of the commander of a merchant ship, Newton was captain of a slave ship for many years, until he underwent a dramatic religious conversion while steering his vessel through a storm. Repenting and regretting the misery he had inflicted on the thousands of human cargo he had transported across the Middle Passage for many years, he devoted his life to the Church, and wrote the lyrics to many hymns which are still popular today. In 1780 Newton left Olney to become rector of St. Mary Woolnoth, St. Mary Woolchurch, in London. There he drew large congregations and influenced many, among them William Wilberforce. Newton continued to preach until the last year of life, although he was blind by that time. He died in London December 21, 1807. __ FACTS ABOUT AMAZING GRACE: *The First Known commercial recording of Amazing Grace was by the Wisdom Sisters in 1926 *Amazing Grace was included in the soldier's hymnals during the Civil War *There are at least 1000 documented arrangements and more than 1000 different recorded versions of Amazing Grace worldwide. *John Newton's original title of Amazing Grace was "Faith's Review And Expectation" *"Amazing Grace has the power to transform a room into something different and better. It really is powerful" - Judy Collins *Amazing Grace was performed by Arlo Gunthrie at Woodstock *Amazing Grace was the most performed song at the memorial sevices following the 9/11 tragedy