SIMPLE GIFTS
Created on 04/02/2021Latest update on 08/01/2023
Artist: Elder Joseph Brackett Jr.
Author: Joseph Brackett
Year: 1848
Shaker from Alfred, Maine (1797-1882). A tune only circulating within Shaker communities when Copland used it for his ballet suite. And it became even more popular when used throughout Michael Flatley's Traditional Irish Dance spectacular Lord Of The Dance.
Covers:
- 1944:
Aaron Copland [leitmotiv in ballet suite Appalachian Spring, introduced by 13-piece ensemble, re-staged with full symphonic orchestra once the war was over]
- 1963:
Carolyn Hester [as 'Tis The Gift To Be Simple]
- 1966:
Sydney Carter [as Lord Of The Dance with Martin Carthy on guitar; produced by Joe Boyd]
- 1968:
- 1970:
Judy Collins [on lp Whales & Nightingales; in February '63 she sang Simple Gifts for President J.F. Kennedy on TV]
- 1971:
Donovan [as Lord Of The Dance]
- 1972:
Clancy Brothers [idem]
- 1975:
Dubliners [idem]
- 1977:
Sister R. Mildred Barker & United Society of Shakers [as 'Tis The Gift To Be Simple; released on Rounder cd Early Shaker Spirituals]
- 1995:
Sabbathday Lake Shakers [title track cd]
- 1996:
Ronan Hardiman [recurring theme throughout Michael Flatley's spectacular Irish traditional dance performance Lord Of The Dance]
- 2001:
- 2007:
Blackmore's Night [as Lord Of The Dance - Simple Gifts]
- 2008:
Weezer [theme throughout The Greatest Man That Ever Lived]
- 2009:
