Johnny Cash’s faith would always take precedence over fame throughout his career. When he approached Sam Phillips at Sun Records in 1954, he introduced himself as “Johnny Cash, Gospel Singer…”
Author: John Alexander
You Still Have Time: Students Urged To Sell Their Tablet Subscriptions
Going into the final stretch of The Tablet’s Covid Relieve Fundraiser for Catholic Schools this past week, Msgr. David Cassato — pastor of St. Athanasius-St. Dominic Church, vicar for Catholic Schools, and New York Police chaplain — encouraged students to sell their subscriptions in a series of short videos which were sent out to all the participating schools to share on their social media platforms.
Only in Print: Sacred and Secular Songs for Easter
Much like Thanksgiving, Easter does not have hundreds of songs to help commemorate the holiday. While there’s no “White Christmas” or “Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer,” there is “Easter Parade” and “Here Comes Peter Cottontail,” along with dozens of sacred songs that celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord.
Adapting an Irish Ballad for a New York Audience
Many of the Irish ballads we are familiar with are derived from Irish and English ballads of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The lyrics are sometimes changed, while the melodies often remain the same. That’s why you will often hear folk singers adding new words to centuries-old songs.
Evergreen Irish Ballads for This St. Patrick’s Day
Everyone familiar with the story of St. Patrick knows that he was a missionary who helped introduce Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century. Folks may also know about his renowned exploits such as banishing snakes from the country. What they may not know is that he was born in Great Britain and is venerated and celebrated by not only the Catholic Church but also the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Lutheran Church.
Only in Print: The ‘Wonderful World’ of Satchmo
Rarely does an artist’s career span 60 years, but Louis Armstrong was a performer whose musical talent encompassed the entire scope of popular music.
African American Angel — God Blessed Billie Holiday
Many of the iconic African American female vocalists of the 20th century endured great hardships before achieving success in the music industry. From Billie Holiday to Etta James, there was a great deal they had to overcome on the road to fame and fortune.
Only in Print: Chadwick’s Gets Lifeline From the Barstool Fund
One of Brooklyn’s most beloved small businesses has been facing trying times due to the pandemic. Chadwick’s Restaurant, located at 8822 Third Avenue in Bay Ridge, has enjoyed a solid 33-year history in the community and is renowned for serving some of the borough’s finest American cuisine.
The Gospel Roots of Country Music Icon Charley Pride
Country Charley Pride, as he was affectionately called when starting out, would go on to earn 29 No. 1 hits on the country chart, 12 gold albums, be named the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year in 1971, become only the second African-American artist invited to join the Grand Ole Opry, and be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
Only in Print: Merry Christmas, Mary! Songs That Celebrate the Blessed Mother
This year, more than ever, we may want to turn to holiday sing-along favorites such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Sleigh Bells,” “Deck the Halls” and “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” to help put us in the spirit of the season.