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Who Sings "Amazing Grace?"

By , About.com Guide

Flatfoot 56 - Knuckles Up

Flatfoot 56 - Knuckles Up

Courtesy of: Flicker Records
John Newton was born in London on July 24, 1725, the son of a commander of a merchant ship which sailed the Mediterranean. When John was eleven, he went to sea with his father. In 1744 John was pulled into service on a man-of-war. Conditions on the ship were terrible and he deserted but was recaptured and publicly flogged and demoted to a common seaman.

He was put to work on a slave ship, by his own request, and became the servant of a slave trader who abused him. He was rescued in 1748 and went on to captain his own slave ship. In 1755 he gave up the sea and went on to become a minister.

It wasn't until about 20 years later that he wrote Amazing Grace. Another 15 (or so) years later, he expressed regret for his part in slave trading and started to speak out against it.

"Amazing Grace"

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught,
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear,
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far,
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise,
then when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

This song has been recorded by countless Christian artists, as well as secular artists (some that may surprise you). Some of the most popular examples are ...

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