"Angel Band" was originally a poem titled "My Latest Sun Is Sinking Fast," written by Jefferson Hascall in 1860. It was first set to music by William Bradbury and published in 1862, becoming a staple of gospel music in the following 150 years. It was popularized by the Stanley Brothers version in the soundtrack album of the film "O Brother, Where Art Thou."
Bradley Walker was born with muscular dystrophy and has been in a wheelchair his entire life. He has performed with the Oak Ridge Boys and other country stars. I especially like the fiddle player on this clip, who seems classically trained. He plays mandolin with the Oak Ridge Boys on the next clip.
I believe this was recorded before Carter Stanley died in late 1966, but I can't be sure because Ralph kept the Stanley Brothers name for his band afterward. Audio only:
Yes, Mike Nesmith recorded this with The Monkees in 1969:
Audio only:
George Jones with additional verses from the original poem:
Nice pick!!
You would think that a gospel tune by the Oak Ridge Boys later in their career would be fine but not much more. But wow, this performance was extraordinary. William Lee Golden was always their most emotional singer and did he ever deliver on that one. And their harmonies were still tight and their voices really strong. Went back and looked at some of their later concerts with the passing of Joe Bonsall and their later shows weren’t great. This sounds like something that could have been on one of their always amazingly produced studio albums.
So kudos on curation for finding and featuring that one on the main website. My favorite version of that song had been a duet between Ralph Stanley and Chely Wright. I think I have a new favorite.
Posted by: Wes Oliver | July 28, 2024 at 07:03 AM
Glad you liked it, Wes. Here is a clip of Bradley Walker and the Oak Ridge boys singing Willie Nelson's "Family Bible":
https://youtu.be/xRSG7kw8d-s
Posted by: Steve L. | July 28, 2024 at 10:08 AM
Ahhh. Now I understand how to spin all this into a form of competition, putatively demonstrating expertise while signaling virtue, all at once.
Masters, these folks are, masters.
Who knew that every teenager who made a mix tape in the 70s-90s was a "curator"? Sounds like an important skill, doesn't it? Only the elite can perform this feat so impressively.
Shouldn't there be a title that goes with the label?
Something like: "The Elvis Professor of Curating Banal Popular Music that Appeals to White, Male Baby Boomers" ...
I don't mind especially that Lubet, and some others, enjoy this music and use this forum to engage is this demonstration of what they believe to be their formidable curating prowess.
What I do lament is the demise of the Faculty Lounge. It was not intended, I believe, to serve as a vehicle SOLELY for this sort of nostalgic self-referential indulgence (along with some announcements once in awhile).
I lament the lack of any attempt, as there once was, to discuss legal issues and the issues of the day, with a view to allowing others to comment and a spirit of tolerance for all voices to be heard.
Lubet shut all that down, it seems to this reader, with his quick trigger censorship and ultimately, by refusing to permit comments entirely.
As a predictable outcome, he stifled almost ANY discussion of ANY issue more "challenging" then: "Gee, I liked the Dolly's version of that song."
It is sad that the FL has become this. The site, about ten or so years ago, wasn't like this, folks. Lubet took it over and became more and more restrictive and defensive.
Odd, isn't it, for one who has thrived on attacking others?
Posted by: anon | July 28, 2024 at 11:31 PM
I agreed with Lubet's editorial, until the last three paragraphs.
First, Biden hasn't offered "unqualified support" ...
Second, bad-mouthing the Prime Minister of another country may be a policy in the view of Democrats that can substitute for an actual articulation of a policy, but, in reality, that stance really boils down to Democratic constant resort to name calling and, in the view of many, resort to Jew hate.
Finally, the last para is paradoxical nonsense. How would appointing Josh prove that Democrats would be better for the interests of Israel? That is just the sort of Jewish stereotype that leads to Jew hate.
Posted by: anon | August 02, 2024 at 01:04 PM