Top music writer Steve Turner traces the biography of 'Amazing Grace', the world's most recorded song. Versions of this hymn have been performed by artists as diverse as Elvis Presley, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Johnny Cash, Rod Stewart and Destiny's Child. The book begins with the dramatic story of John Newton and his participation in the African slave trade through to his writing of 'Amazing Grace' and his campaigning against slavery. The second part of the book - picking up the thread in the years following Newton's death - tells the story of the song itself as it has spread and developed over the past 280 years and its recordings by artists from a wide variety of musical backgrounds. This includes the aftermath of September 11th when the hymn became an international anthem of hope and solidarity.

The incredible journey of the world's most recorded song through an astonishing diversity of musical genres, from gospel to heavy metal, to become a cultural icon.

About the Author
STEVE TURNER is a performance poet and journalist. Author of several anthologies of adult verse, children's poetry and many rock biographies.


Book Information
ISBN 9780745951782
Author Steve Turner
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Lion Books
Publisher SPCK Publishing
Weight(grams) 250g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 130mm * 19mm