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 ...
- Aaron Neville (Compare Prices)
- Andy Griffith (Compare Prices)
- Aretha Franklin (Compare Prices)
- BeBe Winans (Compare Prices)
- Bill and Gloria Gaither (Compare Prices)
- Billy Ray Cyrus (Compare Prices)
- Blind Boys Of Alabama (Compare Prices)
- Brian Free & Assurance (Compare Prices)
- Carman (Compare Prices)
- Charlotte Church (Compare Prices)
- Destiny's Child (Compare Prices)
- Elvis Presley (Compare Prices)
- Flatfoot 56 (Compare Prices)
- Glen Campbell (Compare Prices)
- Gold City (Compare Prices)
- Janis Joplin (Compare Prices)
- Jars of Clay (Compare Prices)
- Jim Brickman with Ginny Owens (Compare Prices)
- John Tesh Project (Compare Prices)
- LeAnn Rimes (Compare Prices)
- Lee Greenwood (Compare Prices)
- Lincoln Brewster (Compare Prices)
- Mahalia Jackson (Compare Prices)
- Petra (Compare Prices)
- Phil Vassar (Compare Prices)
- Randy Travis (Compare Prices)
- Rod Stewart (Compare Prices)
- Ruben Studdard (Compare Prices)
- Sandi Patty (Compare Prices)
- Selah (Compare Prices)
- Steve Green (Compare Prices)
- The Charlie Daniels Band (Compare Prices)
- The Crabb Family (Compare Prices)
- Twila Paris (Compare Prices)
- Vickie Winans (Compare Prices)
