Sister Mary Had-a But One Child

Baritone Michael R McBride singing the spiritual "Sister Mary Had But One Child."

   

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Wayfaring Stranger (Runaway Planet)

"Wayfaring Stranger" is an Appalachian spiritual which some date back to 1784. It was popular among Appalachian revival meetings and was published in Sacred Harp hymnals. The song has been covered by folk, country, and pop artists down through the years. Its plaintive authenticity seems to spur its constant renewal in American culture and on the American music scene.

From the YouTube notes: This is "Wayfaring Stranger," performed by Little Rock's own Runaway Planet. The video is a compilation of pieces of 1940's Appalachian documentaries stitched together by Fans of Runaway Planet (who happen to be members of the Latchkey Society) interested in doing something for the band, as well as for a private event.

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Stand By Me (Tennessee Ernie Ford)

Here is a spiritual sung by Tennessee Ernie Ford, originally broadcast during his weekly variety show which ran on television from 1956 to 1961. He closed almost every show with a hymn or a spiritual. "Stand By Me" was written by the Rev. Charles Albert Tinney, born in Maryland in 1851. His father was a slave and his mother was free. His mother died when he was a child and he was sent to live with his mother's family so he could remain free.

   

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Just A Closer Walk with Thee

On old spiritual done in New Orleans jazz style by Joshua Stewart & The Bourbon Street Stompers

 


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