SINGING BILLY WALKER
Transcript
William Walker, from the nearby Spartanburg, S.C. area, was a Baptist song leader, shape note “singing master,” and compiler of four shape note tune books, most notable of which was The Southern Harmony, published in 1835.
He was instrumental in developing the “shape-note” singing system, a revolutionary means of teaching harmonies to rural southerners in the 19th century.
He is best remembered for combining the tune “New Britain” (Amazing Grace) with John Newton’s text. “Amazing Grace” is perhaps the best known worldwide hymn and Walker can be credited for marrying its memorable melody with the text.
Two of Walker's tune books remain in print, Southern Harmony and Christian Harmony. Walker's compositions and arrangements are widely sung today by Sacred Harp singers as well as others.
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Date of Birth: 1809
Date of Death: 1875
Location: Martin's Mills, SC