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7 Chronological History Of American Music And American Songs

AMERICA’S FIRST SONGS BOOK

The first American Psalter, “The Whole Book of Psalms Faithfully” known also as “The Bay Psalm Book” was translated into English Metre in 1640. Historically, It is the first book to be printed in English-speaking North America. The original book was translated by twenty nine traditional and very conservative clergymen and noted scholars such as Thomas Weld, John Cotton and Richard Mather. The very first edition of the book did not include music. However, it did recommend the usage of songs in Thomas Ravenscroft's Psalter of 1621. This Psalter contained ninety seven songs. In the years to come, the quality of music and songs got better and better, for a greater interest in individual and collective “chanting” began to develop in England. This was evidenced by the publication of new editions and new versions of the original hymns and psalms books, to name a few: Tate and Brady’s 1696 “New Version” which incorporated for the first time a very fine and up-beat songs such as “Saint Anne” written by William Croft and the very popular tune “Hanover”. Isaac Watts in his 1719 “Psalms of David” opened new doors and paved the way to innovative interpretation of religious hymns, and originated the first lyrical and “romantic” aspect of religious chanting.

He went one step further (one very daring step for the era), he introduced “new” translation of the old books. One of his most famous tunes is still en vogue today and frequently sung in America’s churches. You guess it: “Joy To The World, The Lord Is Come”. As such, Isaac Watts became America’s First Christian Gospel Composer. Yet, at that time in history, those marvelous tunes were not adopted by the Anglican Church! He was very avant garde for his generation, he appeared to his generation as exactly Elvis Presley appeared to American families and broadcasters in the early sixties! However, liberal and independent believers welcomed the style and creative innovation of Watts and began to sing his songs in their churches and at home. The greatest hit of the era was Gloria Patri which enjoyed success in all Christian congregations and affiliations. At one time, this song became the favorite of the Anglican Church.

Back to the “Bay Psalm Book”, a few years after its first publication date, the book knew numerous editions and finally, it was used by several congregations for over one hundred years. Yet, the earlier editions did not include songs! The third edition of 1651 which was revised by Henry Dunster and Richard Lyon promised new additions such as poetic lyrics and tunes. But, unfortunately, it failed to deliver and protect its promises. Religious music lovers or frankly all music and singing lovers of any style and genre had to wait for the ninth edition of 1698 to see some good tunes and good stuff included for the first time in any religious hymns book.

The third edition did contain music and songs by John Playford's composed in 1654 and taken from his book “A Brief Introduction To The Skill Of Music”, published in Great Britain in 1654. Finally, we are going somewhere! The religious hymns became more vivacious, more lyrical, more rhythmic and most certainly more appealing to the masses. Call it by today’s standards “the Fake Book Of Songs” of the era! One important thing to remember: It was Old Time Religion! Old Time Music. No composer, writer or musician dared to shake and bake while writing or composing a religious hymn. Otherwise, he/she will end up having his/her super alone with his/her dog!