The Stanley Brothers - Amazing Grace (alternate take) - 1963

Recorded by Ray Davis at 4801 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD on December 14, 1963. Issued as by Ralph and Carter Stanley on the compilation album “It’s Hymn-Time: Volume Two” (Wango CD 120, 2002). Different version of song from same session issued on the album “John’s Gospel Quartet” (Wango LP-103, ca. 1964-1965) and reissued as by The Stanley Brothers on the album “Uncloudy Day” (County 753, 1977). Features Carter Stanley (rhythm guitar), Ralph Stanley (banjo and tenor vocal), Jack Cooke (lead vocal), George Shuffler (lead guitar and bass vocal) and Henry Dockery (bass and baritone vocal). Song composed by John Newton (lyrics first published in 1779 as “Hymn XLI” in the songbook “Olney Hymns”). (Set to music and published as “New Britain. C. M.” by William Walker in 1835 in the songbook “The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion.”) Song first issued by The Original Sacred Harp Choir as “New Britain. C. M. (“Original Sacred Harp”)”(Brunswick 5150, 1922). Song issued by The Wisdom Sisters as “Amazing Grace” (Columbia 15093-D, 1926). Song issued by Rev. J. O. Hanes and Male Choir as “Abounding Sin And Abounding Grace” (Paramount 3057, 1927).

[@paulallen3557]

Got cut off! Here, Jack's singing lead, the point being, he was truly and literally, in this case, Ralph's Jack of all trades. I bet he could play two or three instruments besides the string bass.

[@paulallen3557]

It always amazes me to see how long ago Jack Cooke was associated with the Stanley Brothers. His baritone anchored Ralph's trio number or you need a tenor part so Ralph can sing high baritone

[@BillyQSmith]

Jack Cooke began working with the Stanley Brothers in 1957. I believe he even did comedy with them, using the stage name of Snuffy Jones.