Origins: King of Peace

Subject: Origins: King of Peace
From: GUEST,Mike
Date: 17 Jul 17 - 04:45 AM

Hi,

I would be really grateful if anyone knows who recorded this version of a song called King of Peace? At least I think that is what it is called. I don't really know anything about it but would love to know of its history and origins and perhaps if the lyrics are online somewhere.
I uploaded it to soundcloud so you can hear the song.

https://soundcloud.com/undesignuk/01-king-of-peace

Thanks

Subject: RE: Origins: King of Peace
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 17 Jul 17 - 05:56 AM

There is a set of lyrics here http://www.traditionalmusic.co.uk/sacredharp/king-of-peace.htm 

I don't know how to track down the singers though. Do you know any more about your recording? .. country .. date ..
Maybe you could try a Facebook group or forum for Shapenote or Sacred Harp Singing. There might be some links here to get you started
http://www.ukshapenote.org.uk 

Subject: RE: Origins: King of Peace
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jul 17 - 06:45 AM

Thanks for the links I will look that up. I don't have any reference. I thought it was on a compilation on my ITunes but I can't find the correct reference.

Subject: RE: Origins: King of Peace
From: leeneia
Date: 17 Jul 17 - 12:36 PM

Mike, do you know anything about the shape note tradition? If you don't, you will some fascinating stuff to explore.

I listened to your link, and the sound of people singing the syllables of the scale (la, so, fa, do, etc) told me that this is a shape note song. Then I googled this:

shape note "King of Peace"

and found lots of info on the song you are interested in.
=========
If you are versed in shape notes, then 'King of Peace' is a hymn from the the Sacred Harp. When John Jacob Niles was collecting music in Kentucky and saw that a family had a copy of the Sacred Harp, he'd get all excited. He knew they were likely to like and share old music.

I"m thinking of adding King of Peace to my own repertoire.