August 18, 2025 - Good Morning! It’s Monday, August 18.
With my background as a church musician and worship leader, it’s not surprising that a significant percentage of these little thoughts, over the years, have been about gospel music. The stories behind the hymns. The stories behind the men and women who wrote them. One of the most prolific hymn writers in history, penning over 8000 songs, was named, appropriately enough, Gabriel.
Charles Gabriel was born in 1856 on a small farm in Iowa. His father, to make extra money for his large family, held “singing schools” in their home. This musical tradition featured shaped note notation in oblong hymnals. The most famous of these was called “The Sacred Harp”. I’ve got one in my library. Sacred Harp Singings continue to this day, mostly in the Southern United States. Armed only with this meager education, Charles achieved a remarkable career as a songwriter, teacher, church music director, hymnal editor, and publisher. Many of his songs have survived and are included in modern hymn books. Maybe you’ve sung some of them -
*Send the Light *Higher Ground *I Stand Amazed *Crown Him With Many Crowns *His Eye is on the Sparrow
Gabriel died in 1832 in Hollywood, California - a long way from that little farm in Iowa. Two years later, the Carter Family - Country Music legends - recorded one of his songs. Hundreds of famous artists have recorded it since and it is perhaps his most famous composition. You know the chorus...
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
