Best Amazing Grace Recording

What is the best audio recording of Amazing Grace? This week I was at a party for my brother-in-law in which each of the guests had contributed a favorite song for a compilation CD. One of those attending had selected Elvis’ recording of Amazing Grace. They explained, “Everyone knows it is the best recording of Amazing Grace, ever.” Really? This particular “everyone” doesn’t know that. I like Elvis, but am not particularly fond of his rendition of Amazing Grace.

So, my question is, which is the best recording of Amazing Grace ever?

Here are some of those that I know of. Feel free to contribute others in the comment area below.

101 Strings Orchestra
Tori Amos
Chet Atkins
Joan Baez
Batmobile
The Beat Daddys
Elmer Bernstein
Blind Boys of Alabama
Pat Boone
Boys II Men
Shirley Caesar
Glen Campbell
Johnny Cash
Cecilia
Charley Daniels Band
Cherry Bomb Club
Cincinnati Pops
Charlotte Church
Judy Collins
Crazy Cat George
Dave Matthews Band
The David Rose Orchestra
Ani DeFranco
Phil Driscoll
Esteban
Faith Evans
Fats Domino
Scott Fitzgerald
Aretha Franklin
Jerry Garcia and David Grisman
The Gatlin Brothers
George Gershwin
Mickey Gilley
Al Green
Arlo Guthrie
Merl Haggard
Jimmy Hendrix
Whitney Houston
Mahalia Jackson
Sonny James
George Jones
Janis Joplin
Jordanaires
K.C. & The Sunshine Band
Krystal
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Christy Lane
Leadbelly
Meadowlark Lemon
The Lemonheads
Loretta Lynn
Blind Willie McTell
Herbie Mann
Glenn Miller
Drop Kick Murphy
Anne Murray
Jim Neighbors
Willie Nelson
The Neville Brothers
Oak Ridge Boys
Original Drifters
Patti Page
Twila Paris
Vicki Philips
Pras-Ghetto
Elvis Presley
Ray Prices
Boots Randolph
Lou Rawls
Charlie Rich
LeAnn Rimes
Diana Ross
Pete Seeger
Seven Nations
Shanon
Robert Shaw Festival Singers
Paul Simon
Tommy Smith
Ray Stevens
Rod Stewart
Supastar Mantovani
B.J. Thomas
Randy Travis
Tsa’ Ne Dose
Ike & Tina Turner
Conway Twitty
Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
Stevie Ray Vaughn
Voices of Watts
The Von Trapp Children
The Weavers
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lawrence Welk
Andy Williams
Victor Wooten
Glen Yarbrough

Okay, there are a few for you to consider. Amazon lists 3,213 Mp3 downloads for “Amazing Grace” so I am sure this list is just the top of the iceberg. Which is your favorite?

I Was Warned - Robert Cray

Robert Cray is one of my favorite musicians. There is something about his “sound” that is completely unique. There are others that bear a resemblance such as Buddy Guy or Eric Clapton, … but no one does it like the Robert Cray band. Back in August of 1992 I heard the I Was Warned CD and became hooked forever. Check out some of the song samples in the widget above.

Learning From Cher?

Cher can not be 61 years old! That is my immediate response, but then I remember she has a daughter almost as old as I am and, well, I guess she is getting to be an old broad. And, when you consider her career accomplishments, well, it would be impossible to fit them all into a life less than sixty-one years in extent.

Personally, I have never been a giant fan of Cher as are some of my friends and family. In fact, I have said some pretty harsh things about the nature of her influence. Okay, I have said some really, really, really, really harsh things about her influence. Nevertheless, as someone who appreciates personal achievement I tip my hat to Cher for her many accomplishments.

She began her career the year I was born; 1962. Since that time she has sold more than 200 million records, has been in 15 movies, has been all over the television screen, and it would appear that there might need to be a whole new internet created just to accommodate all of the Cher Mania. I would mention all the awards she has won, but my fingers would succumb to cramps from all the typing.

Back in the 1960’s she and Sonny were doing the Las Vegas resort circuit when they were discovered by network TV scouts which eventually resulted in them having their own variety program. Four decades later Cher is returning to Vegas. She has signed a deal for 200 performances at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. And, Cher tickets Las Vegas will grant access to a show that is going to include dancers, aerialists, and of course, the costumes.

I plead guilty to having blasted Cher for what I believe to be a negative influence on our culture. But in an effort to be fair I want to ask what I can learn from her successes. Here are a few thoughts:

1. If talented people persevere when they hit rough spots, the talent will catch other people’s attention.

2. If you tattoo your body extensively it will catch people’s attention.

3. If you medically augment your body and then don’t wear very many clothes it will catch people’s attention.

4. If you wear outrageous costumes it will catch people’s attention.

5. Catching people’s attention can result in great popularity and wealth.

Okay, I’m one-dimensional, so help me. What positive things do you think can be learned from Cher and her lengthy career?

Switchfoot - Meant To Live

Casting Crowns - Does Anybody Hear Her