A New Tune a Day for Classical Guitar – Pieces throughout this book include classical guitar works by Carcassi, Sor, Carulli, Bach, Giulani and others, as well as familiar tunes Greensleeves, Brahms Lullaby, Amazing Grace, Scarborough Fair, and a section of Christmas carols.
Most people are familiar with the song that is often referred to as “America’s favorite hymn”- Amazing Grace. Well, last week I caught word that there was a new movie out called Amazing Grace, so I went to see it. I expected it to be about the life of John Newton, who is the author of the song which bears the same title. While there were segments which contained glimpses into John Newton’s life history, the story was primarily focused around William Wilberforce. I thought some of you might be interested in knowing more of the background behind this familiar song.
As a young man, William Wilberforce decided on a career in politics and was elected to the House of Commons at the early age of 20. He became a leader in the anti-slave movement, and though most of his collegues opposed him, campaigned hard to bring slavery to an end. In 1791 he presented his first bill to abolish slavery, but it was easily defeated by the majority vote. However, 16 years later, the Abolition of the Slave Trade bill passed. It became law on March 25, 1807. According to the movie, Wilberforce had apparently been influenced by the preaching ministry of John Newton, who had previously been the captain of a slave-trade ship. In 1748, while at sea, Newton read “The Imitation of Christ” by Thomas`a Kempis and became a Christian. John Newton’s epitaph is engraved on a marble plaque in St Mary, Woolnoth, UK. It says:
JOHN NEWTON, Clerk [preacher]
Once an infidel and libertine
A servant of slaves in Africa,
Was, by the rich mercy
of our Lord and Saviour
JESUS CHRIST,
restored, pardoned and
appointed to preach
the Gospel which he had
long laboured to destroy.
He ministered,
Near sixteen years in Olney, in Bucks,
And twenty eight years in this Church.
Written by John Newton
Perhaps you’d like to write a great song like Amazing Grace yourself someday. I suggest you begin by sharing your own true story. Of course, it might also help to have your finger on the pulse of human history as it’s unfolding too. 
You can learn how to play an easy version of Amazing Grace or…
Learn more about the history of the song at: JoyfulHeart.com
Till next time…
Keep practicing!
guitarcoach
