Written by Jefferson Hascall in 1860, this gospel spiritual is an uplifting hymn celebrating the joy of passing from this earth. The song is written from the perspective of a dying person who calls to the angel band to bring them to their eternal home. It is a popular song performed by many folk and bluegrass artists. It portrays death as a peaceful passing from this earth filled with challenges into a new realty of eternity. It is clearly a Christian hymn as it speaks of being saved through Jesus’ suffering and conveys the belief in eternal life. The Stanley Brother’s version of this beautiful waltz was featured on the “Oh Brother! Where Art Thou” soundtrack. This movie and sound track has been credited with reawakening the commercial sales of bluegrass music. One of the favorite version of Angel Band is done by the Bluegrass Gospel Project sung with wonderful harmonies and the passionate expression of belief. It was recorded live at a Woman’s Penitentiary. During the recording, you can hear the emotional response from woman in the audience. The music and lyrics are hauntingly beautiful. The hymn has also been recorded by the Grateful Dead on their 1973 release, “Old and in the Way” and by Emmy Lou Harris on her 1987 release “Angel Band”.
Songs with Banjo from Harold Hagler
