Pioneering podcaster Steve Webb tells the stories behind some of Christianity's greatest hymns, then plays the song, often with a contemporary flair, from some of today's most talented musicians.
. This Episode’s Artist Sarah NoëlleLinks: YouTube | Facebook Thanks to Robert J. Morgan As always, I want to thank Pastor Robert J Morgan for giving his permission to use his books Then Sings My Soul volumes 1 and 2 as the source material for Lifespring! HymnStories. Without that, this show might not exist. Check... The post HS63: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing first appeared on Lifespring! Media.
This Episode’s Artist Wendell KimbroughLinks: YouTube | Website | Twitter | Facebook | bandcamp Thanks to Robert J. Morgan As always, I want to thank Pastor Robert J Morgan for giving his permission to use his books Then Sings My Soul volumes 1 and 2 as the source material for Lifespring! HymnStories. Without that, this... The post HS62: How Firm A Foundation first appeared on Lifespring! Media.
This hymn is one of my favorites, and one aspect of the story behind it is one of the most famous there is. This Episode’s Artist Anna RicheyLinks: YouTube | Website | Instagram Thanks to Robert J. Morgan As always, I want to thank Pastor Robert J Morgan for giving his permission to use his...
Today’s hymn story is that of “Jesus, Lover Of My Soul”. Lyrics by Charles Wesley and music by Simeon B. Marsh. I think you’ll like it, and the version of the song I play for you. This Episode’s Artists The Living Stones QuartetLinks: YouTube Spotify Amazon Music Apple Music Thank you to Robert J. Morgan...
Today’s hymn is Revive Us Again, and I think you’re really going to like the performance by today’s artists. The lyrics of Revive Us Again were written by William P. Mackay, and the music by John J. Husband. This Episode’s Artists The Akins, a father, David. and his two sons, Nick and Eli. If you...
Our hymn today is I Am Thine, O Lord, with lyrics by Fanny J Crosby and Wm. H. Doane. I’ll tell you the story behind the hymn, and then I’ll play a lovely rendition of the song by Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns. Special thanks to Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns for allowing me to...
Our hymn today is Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us, attributed to Dorothy A. Thrupp, with music by William B. Bradbury. Special thanks to Kaoma Chende for allowing me to use his marvelous recording of this hymn. Please visit his website here! Also, thanks to Robert J. Morgan for allowing me to use his books,...
Written by Charles Wesley in 1744, this hymn first appeared in the 1745 “Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord”. Listen for the story behind the song. . Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788 Music: Rowland H. Pritchard Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from...
This is a show dedicated to renewing love for the great hymns of the Christian faith. In this episode I tell the story behind the hymn “Jesus Shall Reign”, which was written in 1719 by Isaac Watts, with the music being written by John Hatton. The version of the song played in this episode is...
Carl Boberg, a 26-year-old Swedish minister, wrote a poem in 1885 which he called “O Store Gud” (“O Mighty God”). The words, literally translated to English, said: When I the world consider Which Thou has made by Thine almighty Word And how the web of life Thou wisdom guideth And all creation feedeth at Thy...
Take Two Revisiting the story behind “Jesus Loves Me”, perhaps the best known children’s hymn of all time. The reason we’re doing this is that, when I did it in HymnStories #2, I didn’t have a version of the music with the lyrics that was cleared for play in a podcast. Now that more music...
Away In A Manger Was written in 1887, and is commonly known as “Luther’s Cradle Hymn.” But did the great German Reformer, Martin Luther, really write the words? Did he sing them by the cradle of his little son, Hans? Listen to the show for a possible answer. This hymn is beautifully performed by David...
Bouncing back- that’s a quality to be cultivated, because life is full of struggles. How do we become resilient? Unsinkable? Joyful amid the blows and burdens of life? This hymn tells us: A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord, He taketh my burden away; He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved, He...
Jesus, I Come 1887 One of the best histories of the gospel song era is George Stebbins’ autobiography, Reminiscences and Gospel Hymn Stories. Stebbins was born in ht e mid-1880s in New York and showed early musical prowess. At age twenty-three, he moved to Chicago where he worked in churches and became acquainted with some of the...
Jesus must have been a bird watcher, because we see Him refer to birds many times in scripture. Listen to the show for the story of how this encouraging hymn was inspired. Our hymn is performed beautifully by Natalie Nicole Gilbert. His Eye Is On The Sparrow Lyrics: Civilla D. Martin Music: Charles H. Gabriel...
Dottie Rambo went to be with the Lord on May 11, 2008. This episode of Lifespring! HymnStories is dedicated to the memory of one of this generation’s most prolific writers of Christian music.
Written during the darkest hour of the American Civil War, this hymn is based on the twenty-third Psalm. Listen to the show for the author’s own account of its writing. Music on the show: The London Fox Singers “He Leadeth Me” (mp3) from “Hymn styles – Praise Ensemble” (Classic Fox Records) Buy at Napster More...
Troubles within the church inspired this stirring hymn. Listen to the show for the whole story, and a great rendition of the song. Today’s Music Worship Service Resources James Morrison “The Church’s One Foundation” (mp3) from “James Morrison: Gospel Collection Volume Two” (Classic Fox Records) Buy at eMusic Buy at Rhapsody Buy at Napster Buy...
Fanny Crosby was one of the most prolific hymn writers the church has seen. This song is part of one of the most gratifying experiences of her life. Listen to the show to hear the story. Rescue The Perishing Lyrics: Fanny J. Crosby Music: William H. Doane Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, snatch...
This wonderful song has been an inspiration for generations. Even the author of the lyrics found comfort years after writing the song. Music: OneVoice “I Need Thee Every Hour” (mp3) from “A Cappella Hymns” (IMI) Buy at Rhapsody More On This Album David Berchtold…”Serenity” I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR Lyrics by Annie S. Hawks (1835-1918)...
Today we learn about the classic “Rock Of Ages”. There’s a surprising twist at the end of today’s narrative. Music The London Fox Singers “Rock Of Ages” (mp3) from “Hymn styles – Down-Home Gospel” (Classic Fox Records) Buy at Napster More On This Album Instrumental music was Jim Fidler’s “Lillian, A Portrait In Sound”. Rock...
Our carol today is “What Child Is This.” This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary. What words of triumph and joy! Despite the melancholic melody, this song is a song of celebration of the birth of the King...
The origins of this plaintive carol date to medieval times. In the 800s, a series of Latin hymns were sung each day during Christmas Vespers from December 17 to 23. To hear how John Mason Neale came to write this hymn, and how it is related to the Latin hymns, listen to the show. Karmyn...
Today, we’re going to hear the story behind the beautiful Christmas carol, “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.” Written in 1849 by Edmund Hamilton Sears, a Unitarian minister, this was the second of two “twin” carols. (Listen to the show for more.) Lyrics “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” It came upon the midnight clear,...
An amazing and surprising story lies behind this great hymn, which was written in 1858. Artists on today’s show: The Eden Symphony Orchestra “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” (mp3) from “How Great Thou Art – 50 Orchestral Hymns” (Classic Fox Records) Buy at Napster More On This Album The London Fox Singers “Stand Up,...
William Cowper is one of God’s gracious gifts to those suffering from depression. Like the Psalmist who cried, “Why are you cast down, O my soul?”, Cowper shows us that our emotional struggles often give us heightened sensitivity to the heart of God and to the needs of others. Listen to the show for more...
The story of Fisk University, and how American music history was forever changed by a fund raising tour, continues with this episode of HymnStories. Lyrics: “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” Chorus: Swing low, sweet chariot, Comin’ for to carry me home; Swing low, sweet chariot, Comin’ for to carry me home. I looked over Jordan, And...
This old “Negro Spiritual” shares a very important place in American music history with another very well-known song that will be the subject of Lifespring! HymnStories number thirty-seven. Fisk University of Nashville, Tennessee, is part of the story as well. Lyrics: “Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen” Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen Nobody knows...
Written by the “Fanny Crosby of Sweden”, Karolina W. Sandell-Berg, this hymn was born out of a personal tragedy. Listen for the story behind the hymn. Day By Day Lyrics: Karolina Sandell-Berg Music: Oskar Ahnfelt Day by day, and with each passing moment, Strength I find, to meet my trials here; Trusting in my Father’s...
(We did this hymn back on Episode 5, but we did not have the lyrics being sung. This episode includes Karmyn Tyler singing this beautiful hymn.) “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”, popularized by George Beverly Shea and the Billy Graham Crusade choirs. Thomas O. Chisholm William M. Runyan Arrangement: Heidi Henninger Great is Thy faithfulness, O...
One of Fanny Crosby’s many hymns which was not at all popular when it was first published. Cliff Barrows, of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association team, was introduced to this wonderful hymn eighty years after it was written, and the rest, as they say, is history. Listen to the show for more details and a...
Written by Henry van Dyke in 1907, this hymn was inspired by the Berkshire mountains. Mr. van Dyke was an extremely accomplished man, to say the least. Listen to the show for his story. Performed by: /strong> Download “Joyful, Joyful” (mp3) from “James Morrison: Gospel Collection Volume One” by James Morrison Classic Fox Records ...
Little is known about Katharina von Schlegel, the German author of this poem. Her words, joined with the haunting strains of “Finlandia” by Jean Sibelius, have made this a classic hymn. It was widely sung during World War II when it comforted an entire nation. Music in this episode: Prayers For This Century…”Be Still, My...
This great old hymn was written over a hundred years ago, but took less than thirty minutes to compose. Listen to the show to hear the surprising story. Music: Instrumental accompaniment during the reading: Randy Sanders Vocal Performance: Download “Sweet By and By” (mp3) from “Little is Much” by Kevin Short ItsAboutMusic.com Buy at iTunes...
As I record this, it is Easter week, considered by many to be the most holy of weeks in the Christian calendar. We celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the eternal son of God, who conquered death and thereby sealed Satan’s fate and made it possible for you and for me to...
This hymn-prayer, written in 1898 and loosely based on Paul’s testimony in Philippians 3, was written by Johnson Oatman, author of “Count Your Blessings” and thousands of other hymns. Listen to find out more! Special thanks to Don for giving his permission to use his recording of this great hymn on today’s show. Please help...
Written by a teenager, this hymn illustrates that one does not need chronological maturity for God to use a person! Hymn performed by wahba. My Jesus I Love Thee William R. Featherston My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine; For Thee all the follies of sin I resign; My gracious Redeemer, my...
This hymn celebrates that which brings the salvation of our sins, for “…without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins…” Music: brokenBox…“Nothing But The Blood” Nothing But The Blood Robert Lowry What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the...
O Holy Night, one of Christendom’s most beautiful hymns, has a very surprising background! Music: Background: Benjamin Shafer Band Sung by: The New Autonomous Folk Singers O Holy Night Lyrics: Placide Clappeau Music: Adolphe Charles Adam O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth. Long lay...
Today we’ll find out the history of “Oh, Come All Ye Faithful”, James’ favourite carol! Music Theme: Bryan Duncan and the NehoSoul Band…”This Christmas” Organ music: Julie Melton Man: Gary Sundblad Song: Jill Parr
Today we’ll find out the story behind ‘Hark! the Herald Angels Sing’, which shouldn’t really be the title at all! Music Theme: Bryan Duncan and the NehoSoul Band…”This Christmas” Background: Download “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (mp3) from “The Spirit of Christmas” by Pittsburgh Symphony Brass Four Winds Entertainment, Inc. Buy at iTunes Music Store...
Today we’ll find out the history behind ‘Silent Night’, it might not be what you think! Find out more about Silent Night at whychristmas?com Music Theme: Bryan Duncan and the NehoSoul Band…”This Christmas” Background guitar: Michael Silvestri Download “Silent Night” (mp3) from “Christmas In New England – Guitar Celebrations For The Holidays” by Michael Silvestri...
from “Hymns – The Old Made New” by Scott Wesley Brown This song has come to be associated with the American Thanksgiving holiday. It’s a beautiful hymn of gratitude to God, and you will enjoy the wonderful rendition by Scott Wesley Brown. Text: Folliot S. Pierpoint 1. For the beauty of the earth, for the...
Written nearly 300 years ago, this beautiful hymn was written by Isaac Watts. Charles Wesley reportedly said he would rather have written it than all of his own. Sung by Jilleen. “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count...
Wil L. Thompson – From failure to fame to a life dedicated to service. Softly and Tenderly Music and Lyrics: Wil L. Thompson Song perfomed by: Jilleen Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, Calling for you and for me; See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching, Watching for you and for me. Come home,...
Today?s HymnStories is a bit different. Normally, using Robert J. Morgan?s book ?Then Sings My Soul?, I tell you the background behind a popular Christian hymn and its author. Today, I?m not going to do that. Let me tell you why. Today I went to a funeral. Please, don?t be too concerned. The woman who...
This beautiful hymn was written by Frances Havergal at the age of 36. A singer in great demand she came to devote every aspect of her life to Christ. Listen for the whole story. Take My Life And Let It Be? Lyrics: Frances Havergal Sung by: Chelsie Boyd Take my life and let it be...
One of my favorite hymns, this was written in 1779. When first released, the author was anonymous. It later came to be credited to Rev. Edward Perronet. Listen to the show for the rest of the story. Artist: Bob Bennett…from the CD “The View From Here” Lyrics: Edward Perronet All hail the pow?r of Jesus?...
Written in 1744 by an anonymous German Catholic priest, this beautiful hymn of worship was translated into English one hundred years later by Edward Caswall. The hymn is beautifully performed here by: Hymns – The Old Made New Scott Wesley Brown Devotion Music Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Napster Buy at RealNetworks /...
Some of the details of this hymn, written in 1677, are lost in the mists of time, and yet… Today’s artist is Jilleen. Thanks to Robert J. Morgan for his permission to use the book, “Then Sings My Soul”. Links to the book are in the right hand margin of this page. Fairest Lord Jesus...
The story behind this wonderful old hymn is one of giving to a friend in need. You’ll enjoy the story, and this new rendition. Strangely Looking Forward Daniel’s Window Cul De Sac Records Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Napster Buy at RealNetworks / Rhapsody Buy at eMusic Download “The Solid Rock” (MP3, 192kbps)...
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