Posted on 11/15/2007 5:08:33 PM PST by PJ-Comix
Because of another presidential debate tonight, I was looking around YouTube for a Ronald Reagan debate video I could post. Eventually I came upon this video of Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan singing Amazing Grace at Ronald Reagan's funeral three years ago. I remember how incredible it sounded the first time and watching and hearing it again, it remains inspiring. In fact, I think this is the BEST rendition of Amazing Grace ever performed.
The first time I ever heard Ronan Tynan was several years ago. I was on the computer and in the background I could hear the television set in the other room that I kept on just for some sound. The Irish Tenors were on the tube but I paid little attention. Then suddenly, in the middle of typing on my keyboard, my hands froze. I listened in amazement to Ronan Tynan singing The Town I Loved So Well. I immediately ran into the other room to watch the TV. I couldn't believe how well that moving song was performed. Once I heard that the singer was named Ronan Tynan, I searched everything I could about him on the Web and I have been a fan ever since.
A few years went by and one day it was announced in 2004 that the great Ronald Reagan had passed away. One of the first thoughts that hit me was a wish that Ronan Tynan could perform Amazing Grace at his funeral. And so it came to pass. My wish was fulfilled and I was not disappointed. I think you will agree that there was something mystical about Ronan Tynan's performance that day. And was there ever a singer and song more appropriate for such an occasion?
(You can watch the video of Ronan Tynan singing Amazing Grace on my BLOG.)
PING!
evening top ten
I'm not a DC'er. I assume that's the National Cathedral.
Top ten and...
Just WOW.
“’Tis grace that brought me safe so far and grace shall bring me home”
Breathtaking. Thank you.
top 10!
Just made a fan out of me!
Blurry Screen Bump... this was also my father’s favorite hymn and sung at his funeral, too.
Greatest Song ever written.
Pray for W and Our Victorious Soldiers
Very powerful — what an outstanding talent!
The Buffalo Sabres had Ronan Tynan sing “God Bless America” at some of their playoff games in recent years. His rendition would leave the fans in the Arena simply awestruck (sorry, Kate Smith). He’s actually going to be performing here with the Buffalo Philharmonic around New Years’ Eve, definitely worth a look-see.
Thanks for bringing back a somber yet sweet memory...
Most excellent.
There is an instrumental version by Jeff Beck that has been my favorite for years. This one has certainly joined it at the top of the list!
Are you trying to install HaloScan?
Thanks PJ. Beautiful.
Another interesting version of the song is performed by the 'Blind Boys of Alabama' with the words set to the music of 'House of the Rising Sun', it is worth listening to and a very interesting gospel rendition.
While President Reagan lay in state, I dug a hole in the center of my front lawn, lined the hole with a circle of aluminum sheeting on the inside of the hole, poured cement and planted a flag pole, pressed polished crystals and stones into the surface of the wet cement and sprayed the surface twice daily to cure the cement.
Hearing "Amazing Grace" at his funeral brings me to tears. "I once was lost/but now I'm found/was blind but now I see."
Welcome home :)
No. Disqus. And right now I am holding off.
I was about to post the same information, You beat me to it. I do like the Blind Boys of Alabama version and beleive it's worth listening to as well...
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