Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...

Subject: ADD: Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to Sleep
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Jun 14 - 08:59 AM

Health has finally permitted me to take up this lovely old song, and it's going into our "last" songbook if no one objects, as follows. I didn't like the repeating last line of the last two verses so I jiggled the words a bit, with a few other minor edits for use in the Episcopal Church. And ;-) I put the title under Z because our songbooks have never had a song in that section of the book! (It'll be easier for the Band to find it as the Zephyr song!)


ZEPHYRS OF HEAVEN SHALL FAN ME TO SLEEP
By James B. Coats ("When the zephyrs of heaven shall fan me to sleep"), 1941, in "Pilgrim Songs" (Stamps-Baxter Music). J.B. Coats was born on April 6, 1901, in Summerland, Mississippi. He attended the schools of his area and was both a student and lover of music all his life... His formal education was continued with study at Mississippi Southern College and Louisiana State University. When just a lad about fourteen, he began teaching music classes and conducting evangelistic singing. Mr. Coats was a teacher in public schools most of his life... He was the composer of many loved gospel songs with "Where Could I Go" haveing been printed and sung most widely. Many of his songs have been recorded by leading quartets and singers... Mr. Coats was associated with Stamps-Baxter Music Company and a lifetime staff writer for them... He joined the Baptist Church and served more than thirty years as a Deacon before answering the call to the ministry. He died on December 15, 1961.

Learned from the singing of Jeanene Pratt. Research courtesy Jeanene Pratt, Danny Coats, Mudcat Cafe. Adapted, edited, arranged (c) 2014 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.


1. When my toiling is over, at setting sun,
Comes the end of a journey-- my race is run.
Many miles I have traveled, and hard the test,
But in heaven some morning, I'll find sweet rest.

REFRAIN:
When the zephyrs of heaven shall fan me to sleep,
On the banks of the river a vigil I'll keep.
Milk and honey to feed me, no more shall I weep
While the zephyrs of heaven shall fan me to sleep.

2. I shall never stop fighting for justice and right.
Every star is His jewel beyond the night.
There's a victory waiting that none can forestall.
On the banks of deliv'rance, His Truth is all.

3. Often I am discouraged, the battle is hard.
In the thick of the fighting, my soul may be scarred.
Yet each time I'm delivered, and my soul is blest.
'Tis a promise from Heaven: I'll find His sweet rest.

SH

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: GUEST,Dorothy Scanlan
Date: 22 Nov 13 - 11:04 AM

Thanks for the scholarship here. I am happy to have that second verse: without it, verses one and three don't scan.
And the correction, from "star" to "scar" is so poignant - "star" is lovely; "scar" means hard work.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: GUEST,Dorothy
Date: 22 Nov 13 - 10:59 AM

Subject: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me To Sleep
From: Genie
Date: 31 Dec 11 - 06:29 AM

Thanks, Danny.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Dec 11 - 07:43 PM

The copy of the Zephyrs song that I sent out is from a booklet published in 1950 called Mississipppi Melodies. This boklet is a compilation of some my grandfather's songs. That copyright date was the original. The rights to his music have changed hands several times. Zondervon owned them for a time, but Universal owned them the last I knew.


Danny Coats

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: Genie
Date: 02 Jun 11 - 02:33 PM

See PM, Haruo.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: Haruo
Date: 02 Jun 11 - 01:13 PM

Amen to a longer song circle! I skipped offering a song b/c I wanted to make sure we made it all the way around worse than I wanted to "name that tune". Btw, what is the name of the white-haired guy who led "How can I keep from singing"? I want to contact him to find out more about the activist he said is being held in a private prison in Tennessee w/o medical attention and in danger of dying as a result.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: Genie
Date: 01 Jun 11 - 09:34 PM

Anyone who wants to see the sheet music can see it here:
"When Zephyrs Of Heaven Shall Fan Me To Sleep" - from hymnal

It's in .png format, because I had to upload it to Facebook as a photo, and it had to be in portable network graphic format.

Genie

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: Genie
Date: 01 Jun 11 - 09:18 PM

Yeah, Haruo, & the song circle at Folklife needs to be longer.

I'm pretty sure that PDF is from a hymnal, so it probably isn't the first publication.

Danny Coats could probably tell you for sure.



Danny Coats
[e-mail]
[phone]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: Haruo
Date: 01 Jun 11 - 12:37 PM

Genie,

The PDF you sent me says

Copyright, 1941, by Stamps-Baxter Music & Pig. Co.
in "Pilgrim Songs"

Do we know if this was the original publication, or a renewal, or a revision?

Good to see you (and sing with you) at Folklife Song Circle.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: Genie
Date: 01 Jun 11 - 01:31 AM

Lloyd, Wikipedia really does require documentation of sources when you post things like biographical or discographical info. That is a major reason why I don't post much info on Wikipedia -- it's very time-consuming to deal with all the footnotes, etc. But if you have your references about James B. Coats handy, please do help fill in the Wikipedia page.


I do have the sheet music, from an old hymnal page that Danny Coats sent me. Maybe I can upload it to my FaceBook page and post the link here. But I think only FaceBook members will be able to see it that way.

Genie

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: GUEST,Lloyd Moore
Date: 31 May 11 - 09:17 PM

That was stupid. How can I get a PDF without an Email address?

[e-mail]

Also, Genie should post his biography to Wikipedia.com.
It is looking for a biograhy for James B. Coates and
his is excellent.

Perhaps he would permit me to post it to Wikipedia.com
although I do not have much of a source for attribution.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: GUEST,GUEST-Lloyd Moore
Date: 31 May 11 - 08:30 PM

Sheet Music PDF Please.
Thanks.
Thanks Danny for the lyrics which I now have,
but having the music page from the hymnal would be really great.
Thanks all for your dedicated search.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 03:34 PM

Got it thanks!

~S~

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 07:14 PM

PDF please?

[e-mail]

Thanks!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: GUEST,John M Scanlan
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 01:02 PM

My daughter, Martha Scanlan, frequently played with Ralph Blizzard at his home, and occasionally on stage (Carter Fold and others). The recording is on the tape "Blizzard Train", and we also found it at Apple Shop on CD.

John Scanlan
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: Genie
Date: 01 Aug 10 - 04:58 AM

Is that you again, Danny?
Yes, we appreciated your information on the song when I started the thread last year, and it's good to clear up any confusion as to its authorship.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: Arkie
Date: 31 Jul 10 - 09:14 PM

Your grandfather was a great song writer and would be pleased that his grandson is interested in the music he created. "When Zephyrs of Heaven" is a fine song and deserves to be sung a lot more frequently.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Jul 10 - 05:34 PM

I am J.B.Coats grandson and he did write the song.

Subject: Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to Sleep - Coats
From: Genie
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 02:35 PM

More about James B. Coats
(1901 - 1961)
        
"J.B. Coats was born on April 6, 1901, in Summerland, Mississippi. He attended the schools of his area and was both a student and lover of music all his life...His formal education was continued with study at Mississippi Southern College and Louisiana State University. He also studied music with Julius Rishing, J.E. and Alvis O. Thomas and T.B. Mosley. When just a lad about fourteen, he began teaching music classes and conducting evangelistic singing. Mr. Coats was a teacher in public schools most of his life...He was the composer of many loved gospel songs with "Where Could I Go" haveing been printed and sung most widely. Others of his outstanding songs are "A Wonderful Place", "My Soul Shall Live On", "I'm Winging My Way Back Home", and "Tomorrow May Mean Goodbye". Many of his songs have beenrecorded by leading quartets and singers...Mr. Coats was associated with Stamps-Baxter Music Company and a lifetime staff writer for them...He joined the Baptist Church and served more than thirty years as a Deacon before answering the call to the ministry. He died on December 15, 1961."

Gospel Music Hall Of Fame

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me t
From: Genie
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 01:43 PM

Apparently, it's "Ralph Blizard," , not "Blizzard."

DK if it's pronounced "BLI-zerd" (as in snow storm) or "bli-ZARD," either.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me t
From: Genie
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 10:08 PM

I just did, Haruo.
Sent one to Mick too.

G

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: Haruo
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 02:20 AM

Well, I for one would love a copy of the PDF, you can email it to me at [e-mail].

Haruo

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me t
From: Genie
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 11:50 PM

Also, is it "Ralph Blizzard" or "Ralph Blizard?"

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me t
From: Genie
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 11:44 PM

The link to the YouTube of the song is in this post, above:

Click Here

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me t
From: Genie
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 11:40 PM

Gene, thanks so much for correcting my error on Doug's last name and on the lyric.   (Maybe Joe or a clone can correct it in my earlier post.) Glad you're OK with the video being public. So far I haven't identified the musicians in the video in the text accompanying the video, but I will if you guys would like me to.

If you search for "Zephyrs Of Heaven" at YouTube, the video will come right up.
But the link I posted above should work too.

Danny Coats did send me a PDF of the sheet music from an old hymnal, and I can email that PDF to anyone who would like it.   I don't know of a site like YouTube where I could just post it for everyone to see. If there's one, please let me know.

(I guess I could put it on SnapFish or PhotoBucket, but I think you have to register at those sites to view people's uploaded pics.)

Genie

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: Haruo
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 07:42 PM

So is the sheet music (hymnal scan) publicly available now? Where?

Haruo

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: GUEST,Gene Silberberg
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 05:08 PM

I was the fiddler at the jam session in Seattle that Genie refers to, and played "When the Zephyrs..." with Doug Chandler on guitar. (Genie, assuming we're all on the same page here you had Doug's last name wrong.) I heard Ralph Blizard play the tune at Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend, WA earlier in this decade; it was shortly before he died. I transcribed it and eventually put it in my fiddle tune collection, mainly to keep the tune from being forgotten--I couldn't find anyone here who knew it. I later found out that Doug Chandler also loved and knew the tune and the correct backup, and we've been playing it in this area for about five years now. Ralph Blizard's articulation was less than perfect and we had some incorrect words. In any case, I have a pdf file available for anyone who would like to see my transcription. A year ago Joe Long, from Blountville, TN who was at Ralph Blizard's funeral, somehow found me on the web, and after an extended search, he found the hymnal with this tune in it. But Doug C. just gave me a cleaner copy (I thought he said he got it from Genie), and I have that as a JPEG also. It's a bit different from Blizard's rendition. I love the fact that this tune is being remembered and played. Gene Silberberg
P.S. Danny Coats' words have a small error--it's scar, not star that's a jewel beyond the night. Who knew?
P.P.S. I couldn't find Genie's video on YouTube--is it there, and if so, under what title? It's OK with me for it to be public.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me t
From: GUEST,Eric
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 09:06 PM

Thanks, thanks, thanks to J.B. Coats' grandson Danny and to you, Genie for posting this. I have been looking long and hard for this for a long time. I even e-mailed Phil Jamison of the New Southern Ramblers (who backed Blizard) but never heard back. Thanks.
Eric

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 10 Aug 09 - 07:05 AM

Thanks for posting the video, Genie. I only read sheet music at gunpoint, and there's no saying whether the song comes out right when I do it. :-)

Jerry

Subject: Lyr Add: WHEN ZEPHYRS OF HEAVEN SHALL FAN ME TO...
From: Genie
Date: 10 Aug 09 - 02:45 AM

J B Coat's grandson Danny graciously sent me the sheet music to the song, taken from an old hymnal. Here are the lyrics, including another verse which isn't included in the jam version I posted at YouTube or on the recording by Ralph Blizard:

WHEN ZEPHYRS OF HEAVEN SHALL FAN ME TO SLEEP
James B. Coats

1. When my toiling is over, at setting sun
Comes the end of a journey, my race is run.
Many miles I have traveled, and hard the test,
But in heaven some morning, I'll find sweet rest.

CHORUS: When the zephyrs of heaven shall fan me to sleep,
On the banks of the river a vigil I'll keep.
Milk and honey to feed me, no more shall I weep
While the zephyrs of heaven shall fan me to sleep.

2. Often I am discouraged, the battle hard.
In the thick of the fighting my soul is scarred.
Yet each time I'm delivered my soul is blest.
'Tis a promise from Heaven: I'll find sweet rest.

(Cho.)

I shall never stop fighting for truth and right.
Every scar is a jewel beyond the night.
There's a victory waiting none can molest.
On the banks of deliv'rance I'll find sweet rest.

(Cho.)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to...
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 10 Aug 09 - 12:37 AM

Genie: Thanks for posting the video. Now, can you help me understand the lyrics? Here's what I can transcribe. Can you fill in the gaps? (and please make any other corrections, if I have misheard anything)


WHEN ZEPHYRS OF HEAVEN SHALL FAN ME TO SLEEP
James B. Coats

1. When my toiling is over at setting sun,
At the end of my journey, my day is done,
Many miles I have traveled, ... (?)
But in heaven some morning, I'll find sweet rest.

CHORUS: When the zephyrs of heaven shall fan me to sleep,
On the banks of the river a vigil I'll keep.
... (?) shall I weep
When the zephyrs of heaven shall fan me to sleep.

2. I shall never stop fighting for truth and right.
Every scar is a jewel beyond the night.
There's a victory waiting ... (?)
It's a promise of heaven; I'll find sweet rest.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me t
From: GUEST,Genie (on someone else's puter sans cookie
Date: 08 Aug 09 - 05:17 PM

That there last post was mine.

Subject: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to Sleep
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Aug 09 - 05:16 PM

Here is the recording from last night's jam:
When The Zephyrs Shall Fan Me To Sleep.   
For the moment it's "public" at YouTube, but with a cryptic title.   If we have permissions to keep it public (with the title so it can be found via a search), I'll fix that. Otherwise I'll make it "private" (viewable by no more than 25 people).

Genie

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me t
From: Genie
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 03:19 AM

Thanks, Danny.

This Friday I plan to be at a jam session -- recording gear in hand -- hosted by the guy I first heard play and sing this song.   I still may want to buy the CD, though. Is it available on iTunes as individual song downloads?

I may call you about the sheet music too.

G

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Zephyrs of Heaven (J B Coats)
From: GUEST,Danny
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 09:12 PM

I was able to get a copy of the song sung by Raslph Blizard. It is available on CD again. I also have sheet music if anyone is interested.

Danny
[phone]

Subject: Lyr Req: Zephyrs of Heaven (J B Coats)
From: Genie
Date: 30 May 09 - 11:00 PM

Thanks, Amos.
I'm still waiting to get in touch with Doug Chandler, who does this song at some of the jams in the Seattle area. I understand he's not "doing" computers these days, so I'll have to wait till I can get to one of the jams where he plays. I hope that will be within the next month.

I am having absolutely no luck googling this song, except for the listing that you posted.

Genie

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Zephyrs of Heaven (J B Coats)
From: Amos
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 07:02 PM

There is a manuscript available of Grand Ole Opry transcripts,

Southern Folklife Collection Song Folios, circa 1882-1983
Collection Number 30006
Manuscripts Department, University Library of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Song Folio FL-390
John Daniel Quartet, Grand Ole Opry Specials. Radio Station WSM. Nashville, Tenn. 100 p. of music.
"A Land without Tears"
"An Empty Mansion"
"Angels Rock Me to Sleep"
"Blessed Be the Lord"
"Cabin of Memories"
"Come and Go with Me"
"Did You Ever Go Sailing?"
"Everytime I Feel the Spirit"
"Give Me the Roses Now"
"Give Me Your Hand"
"Have a Little Talk with Jesus"
"Heaven Is Nearer"
"He Bore it All"
"Here in the Harbor"
"Her Mansion Is Higher"
"He Set Me Free"
"He's a Mighty Good Leader"
"How Beautiful Heaven Must Be"
"In the Shadow of the Cross"
"It's a Grand and Glorious Feeling"
"I Will Arise and Go to Jesus"
"I'd Rather Have Jesus"
"I'll Fly Away"
"I'll Live in Glory"
"I'll Meet You in the Morning"
"I'll Meet You by the River"
"I'm Living Humble"
"I'm Winging My Way Back Home"
"I've Found a Hiding Place"
"I've Got That Old Time Religion in My Heart"
"Jesus Hold My Hand"
"Jesus Saved My Soul"
"Jesus Taught Me How to Smile"
"Just Go to Jesus"
"Keep the Roses Blooming"
"Kneel at the Cross"
"Living for Jesus"
"Living in the Promised Land"
"Let Me Go Down to the River"
"Lord Lead Me On"
"Mighty Close to Heaven"
"My Little Boy Blue"
"My Mother"
"My Old Home"
"My Pastime Is Jesus"
"Nobody Answered Me"
"No Shadows"
"No Tears in Heaven"
"Nothing but the Blood"
"Old Time Power"
"On the Jericho Road"
"Praise His Name"
"Precious Memories"
"Revive Us Again"
"Salvation Has Been Brought Down"
"Shake Mother's Hand for Me"
"Somebody Called My Name"
"Some Day"
"The Goodness of God"
"The Model Church"
"The Old Gospel Ship"
"The Sweetest Song I Know"
"They Have Gone Away"
"They Scandalized My Name"
"Thoughts of Mother"
"Waiting for the Boys"
"We Are Climbing"
"When I Play on My Harp of Gold"
"When Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me to Sleep"
"We'll Reap What We Sow"
"Will Some One Be Waiting?"
"Won't it Be Wonderful There?"
"You Gotta Bow Down Low

Subject: History of "Where Could I GO?"
From: GUEST,Mary Jane Craft - Holts Prairie Baptist Chur
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 06:36 PM

I hope you can help me!
I love to know the history of why they write the song at the time they wrote it. I Sing often at church and I love giving a back ground on the music. This song was sung at a class mate of mine which died of Cancer and he requested for everyone to listen to the words of this song which they meant so much to him. It was wonderful the way the Quartet sang it. I remember at what we called a singing convention at the little Baptist churchs in Southeast Missouri. Now since I live in Pinckneyville Il. It is a little different from what the little church did in Missouri to Illinois.
But please if you can help me I would be very gracious.
Sincerely, Mary Jane Craft
[e-mail]
573-450-4177

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Zephyrs of Heaven (J B Coats)
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 10:44 AM

To Danny Coats

My Grandmother was Doris Mable Coats Williams who was your Grandfather's, Uncle J.B. to me, sister. Who was your Mother or Father? My father was Milton Lee Williams.   I have vague memories of Edsel. I was young and remember going with my Grandparents to Uncle J.B.'s big house on Sundays after church. Then we would go to "Sings" as my Grandfather would call them all over the country side around Soso, Gitano. The "Sings" would always be at a little country church and the ladies of the church would have "Dinner on the Ground". My Grandmother would have prepared lots of wonderful dishes and we would have lunch and listen to the quartets. Wonderful childhood memories.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Zephyrs of Heaven - J B Coats
From: Nathan in Texas
Date: 19 Oct 08 - 02:09 PM

The album covers for "Blizard Train" credits it as follows;
"(Source: Stamps-Baxter Songbook) Ralph learned this old hymn with his sister at a gospel singing school."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Zephyrs of Heaven - J B Coats
From: Arkie
Date: 18 Oct 08 - 07:00 PM

I have heard Ralph Blizzard sing When the Zephyrs of Heaven Fan Me to Sleep and it was a favorite on one of his albums though he was best known for his unique fiddle style. As far as I know Ralph never claimed to have written the song. I have the lp but it is not accessable at the moment or I would check the notes. I did really like his fiddle style as well. Glad the composer is confirmed.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Zephyrs of Heaven - J B Coats
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Oct 08 - 04:33 PM

Sounds good. Feel free to call.


Danny

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Zephyrs of Heaven - J B Coats
From: Genie
Date: 14 Oct 08 - 08:05 PM

Thanks, Danny,
Yes, that's the song. One of the guys I sometimes jam with in Seattle played and sang the song at a jam this summer.    When I get a chance to jam with him again, I'll try to catch in as a video or mp3 and I can send it to you.

I'll send you a PM with an e-dress where you can send me the words and music (as an attachment). So far I haven't been able to receive faxes.

Genie

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Zephyrs of Heaven - J B Coats
From: GUEST,Not sure this is what you were looking for
Date: 12 Oct 08 - 11:29 PM

My grandfather was J.B. Coats. He wrote a song called "When Zephyrs of Heaven Fan Me to Sleep". If you can give me a fax number, I can fax you the words and music.

I would really appreciate a copy of a recording of the song if you could make one. I am collecting as many of the songs as I can find of my grandfather's songs.

Thanks for your time.



Danny Coats
[e-mail]
[phone]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Zephyrs of Heaven - J B Coats
From: Genie
Date: 17 Jul 08 - 02:50 AM

I'll have to ask Doug more about the Coats connection next time I see him.

Meanwhile, if anyone has the lyrics, I'd love to have them.   I believe I can figure out where the chords (which are D Bm G E7 A7, and I think B and A) go in the song.   

Genie

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Zephyrs of Heaven - J B Coats
From: GUEST,DWR
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 07:26 PM

Nothing like thinking/writing in pieces, or perhaps not thinking.

I probably spoke a little too hastily in saying that Coats could not have put the lyrics to a tune by Blizard. I can't imagine it having happened that way, but Ralph certainly would have been old enough to have done so in 1940 or thereabouts.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Zephyrs of Heaven - J B Coats
From: GUEST,DWR
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 07:10 PM

Tell you who to talk to if you happen to know him or have access to him in any way ~~ John Lilly who worked closely with Ralph Blizard for many years and is an excellent historian of the music. If anyone could work out the connection for you, it would be John.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Zephyrs of Heaven - J B Coats
From: GUEST,DWR
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 07:01 PM

I don't think that would be possible as J B Coats timeline is earlier than Ralph Blizard's. He also wrote Where Could I Go But To The Lord and The Sweetest Gift, A Mother's Smile. I didn't do a thorough search, but it looks like 1940 and 1942 for those two songs, so if he was involved with the Zephyrs Of Heaven, I'd think it likely would be somewhere not too far from either side of that time frame.

I didn't find it in any of my song books dating to that era.

Subject: When The Zephyrs of Heaven Shall Fan Me To Sleep
From: Genie
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 04:22 PM

Thanks, Jim.

Doug Chandler, who brought the song to a jam session last Sunday, said he thought J B Coats wrote the song, and he did talk about Ralph Blizard's connection to it, but maybe Coats just wrote lyrics for Blizard's fiddle tune?

Anyway, it's a neat tune and a great jam song.

G

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Zephyrs of Heaven - J B Coats
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 09:32 AM

The Johnson Family Singers Collection at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill contains a recording of WHEN THE ZEPHYRS OF HEAVEN SHALL FAN ME TO SLEEP, made in 1951.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Zephyrs of Heaven - J B Coats
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 05:44 AM

The Folk Music Index lists a song (or tune) called WHEN ZEPHYRS OF HEAVEN SHALL FAN ME TO SLEEP. It is attributed to Ralph Blizard. It is printed in the book:

Silberberg, Eugene. The Complete Fiddle Tunes I Either Did Or Did Not Learn at the Tractor Tavern. Seattle, Wash: E. Silberberg, 2005, page 216.

WHEN ZEPHYRS OF HEAVEN SHALL FAN ME TO SLEEP is also included on the album "Blizard Train" by Ralph Blizard & The New Southern Ramblers.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Zephyrs of Heaven - J B Coats
From: Genie
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 02:19 AM

I should add (partly because it's "refreshing") that James B Coats is fairly well known as a writer of Gospel songs of his era, so I'm surprised and very disappointed that "the google" seems so bereft of info about this song and about Coat's lyrics in general.

Genie

Subject: Lyr Req: Zephyrs of Heaven - J B Coats
From: Genie
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 04:14 AM

I heard a really nice old Gospel song in a jam session today, titled "Zephyrs Of Heaven" or "Zephyrs From Heaven." It was written by James B. Coats and has been recorded by a group called Blizzard something or something Blizzard.   Having no luck googling the lyrics, because the song title doesn't pull anything up, but I keep getting directed to sites mentioning the common (non-name) nouns, "zephyr," "blizzard," and "coat." (Sigh)

If nobody here knows the song, I can probably get the lyrics from one of the bluegrass/country/old timey jammers next month, along with the chords, but I'm hoping maybe someone at Mudcat also knows the song and can post the lyrics before that.