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Songfacts:  You can leave comments about the song at the bottom of the page.

"Amazing Grace" is a hymn first published in 1779 by John Newton, an Englishman who worked on slave ships. On one voyage, they came across a nasty storm and Newton thought the ship was going to sink. After they made it through, Newton became deeply religious and later became a minister. Newton wrote this based on his religious conversion, and how God saved him even though he was a "wretch." To this day, it remains a very popular hymn.

Judy Collins' 1970 version spent 67 weeks on the UK chart, which is longer than any other single by a female artist. She recorded it at St Paul's Chapel, Colombia University. (thanks, Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England)

Collin's version was re-released in the UK in 1971 and again in 1972, and it charted again both times. In 1972, The Pipes And Drums And Military Band Of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards released their version, which went to #1 and was the biggest-selling single on 1972 in the UK.

Joan Baez sang this to open the Philadelphia stage of Live Aid in 1985. There were over 100,000 people in the crowd, and most of them sang it with her.

Arlo Guthrie performed this at Woodstock in 1969.

Comments:

Well it was especially poignant because the guy had been a slaver. Can't get much lower than that on the human scum scale. I think when he says "that saved a wretch like me" it's also about stopping what you're doing and starting over. "Go and sin no more". He had to work at it. He didn't stop slaving even after the song was written. Shows that redemption does not always come quickly.
- Heather, Los Angeles, CA

I got my Confirmation name off this song, because I thought it was so pretty
- nikita, drogheda, Ireland

this is really pretty,. Its one of the most understandable Gospel songs ever.one of the most meaningful and true. Praise the Lord
- jessie steele, bartlett, TN

William, I believe you're confusing "Amazing Grace" with "Farewell to Tarwathie," which was on the same album (not so coincidentally called "Whales and Nightingales"). It's an old whaling song from the mid-1800s that Judy Collins arranged with the songs of the humpback whales in the background, and it is remarkable.
- Jeff, Long Island, NY

I believe Judy Collins had another version of Amazing Grace in the 70's. It was just her singing with the songs of the humpback whales in the background. I use to have it on cassette but lost it and been looking for this version ever since. It was truly moving version.
- William, Jacksonville, FL

Vickie (Sidney), Because it's about redemption, forgiveness, submission to the Lord (to quote kevin/Canada, 3 comments before (below) yours).
- Fred, Laurel, MD

best when played with bagpipes
- Eric, Milltown, IN

I found the Judy Collins version of this song truly uplifting back in the 70s and still do. What was even better, it could be found on Juke Boxes pubs. The version that made the biggest impact on me was Cliff Richards singing it live and unaccompanied at Spree 73. There are not many performances that still have an impact 34 years later!
- David, saltburn, England

This song was also played in a Jananese TV series called The Huge White Tower, which talks about how doctors should cheat their patients. How to face life's end... very affecting.
- YangYingYing, Shanghai, China

This isn't just a religious song. I saw some documentary about this song in my AMT class at Ramapo College. This song is just about good in just every situation.
- Devin, Pomona, NY

Can anyone tell me why this song is a popular choice to be played at funerals?
- Vickie, Sydney, Australia

Above all the religious songs in the world this one has the most meaning to me. In Him we live and in Him we are saved. How great is that? :-0) - Peace of Mind, NC
- Donna, midstate, NC

This song was played in its entirety at the end of a General Hospital episode where Sonny Corinthos was horribly shot (it was planned). This song made the whole thing so spooky and has made it one of the best moments on GH.
- Michele, Lewisburg, WV

I perrform this song. Its very simple and tends to make people cry. Its a wonderful song. About redcemtion and forgiveness and submission to the Lord. I think its the greates Gospel song ever.
- kevin, Canada, Canada

it was just so pure and sweet
- Destiny, rahway, NJ

More information about the background of this song/songwriter can be found at: http://www.snopes.com/religion/amazing.htm
- Adam, Jupiter, FL