Amazing Grace: With Bill Moyers

The enduring popularity of the spiritual classic "Amazing Grace" is the subject of this fascinating historical/cultural history of the hymn from its 18-century inception to the modern day. A staple of Christian fundamentalist churches in the South, and a favorite among black gospel musicians, "Amazing Grace" has an ironic history. Penned by the Englishman John Newton (voice of Jeremy Irons) in the 1760s, "Amazing Grace" is an ode to redemption through salvation. In Newton's particular case, before becoming a pastoral preacher, he was the captain of a slave ship for many years. In fact, thanks to his meticulous journal-keeping, scholars have excellent first-hand accounts of the day-to-day life aboard a slave trader. Slaves eventually brought Newton's song across the Atlantic where it was melded to the melody we all know and love. Journalist Bill Moyers tours the country, talking to 91-year-old Dewey Williams about "shaped note singing" and listening to his rendition of the song; discussing the uplifting effect of the tune with prisoners in a state prison, and following the Boy's Choir of Harlem from practice sessions in New York to a tour in Japan. In addition, Moyers interviews contemporary musicians--such as Judy Collins, Johnny Cash, and Jessye Norman--who have recorded the song. One of the less pricey titles from the continually more affordable PBS Video entries, Amazing Grace is a wonderful documentary about a song that bridges cultures and epochs with its universal message of hope. Highly recommended. (Available from: PBS Video, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria VA 22314-1698; 1-800-424-7963.)