Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch recorded "I'll Fly Away" for the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack, but it had become a gospel standard long before the film. Albert Brumley composed the song in 1929 while working in a cotton field. Since then, this beloved hymn has earned its place as a mandolin staple.
John Newton, a former slave trader, wrote "Amazing Grace" as a companion to one of his sermons. He debuted it on Jan. 1, 1773, but the song was played to a different melody than our contemporary version, which first began appearing in the 1830s. Mandolin superstar Ricky Skaggs often performs this hymn.
Joseph Brackett penned "Simple Gifts" in 1848 for use in Shaker services. The elder crafted the song to encourage dancing, which was an important component in Shaker worship. Folk mandolin players embrace the tune today.
Henry W. Baker married his biblically inspired lyrics in this composition with an Irish melody. The ties of Ireland's music with the mandolin make this a popular hymn for the instrument. Baker wrote the song in 1868.
Englishman Robert Robinson wrote "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" in 1758. He based the lyrics from biblical passages found in I Samuel, Exodus and the Book of Psalms. The melody makes this hymn an outstanding choice for the mandolin player.
The origins of "Old Time Religion" have been lost. But Charles D. Tillman, the original publisher of this southern gospel spiritual, is said to originally have heard it in 1889. Mandolin virtuoso Jethro Burns is known for recording an authoritative version of the song for the instrument.