Will The Circle Be Unbroken

Vocals;
Michelle Wright
Iris DeMent
Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh
Fiddles;
Jay Ungar
Aly Bain
Mandolin - Russ Barenberg
Bouzouki - Donal Lunny
Accordion - Phil Cunningham
Guitar - Molly Mason

[@randybailin4902]

Iris Dement's voice in harmony is about as good as it gets.

[@davidhanshaw7840]

I second that emotion.

[@JohnSmith-iq5gy]

The talent in that room cannot even be measured....wow

[@JacobAnaya369]

I’m in love with Iris’s voice she’s such a one of a kind

[@albertalonzo1994]

UNIQUE

[@Balthazar1963]

I love her voice too. It changed my belief system.

[@bindagr]

I can't play and I can't sing, but thank God I can appreciate. I appreciate the straight forward, no frill performance on this video. It just goes to show, true talent doesn't have to rely on anything flashy or gimmicky. The sheer talent of these women just knocks me out.

[@johnlindsay7273]

This is one of the songs at the very heart of country music. God Bless mothers everywhere.❤

[@Ceti_Alpha_5]

Iris DeMent is in a class all by herself...Exquisite!

[@michaelwalsh9145]

They all have unique voices, don’t be so picky, I love the Irish woman’s soft voice.

[@mikeryan7213]

​@michaelwalsh9145 the weak link here

[@jamcrane3]

If you give this a thumbs down, then this must be a genre that you don't even like. Because this is as good as folk music gets.

[@alexzingo6952]

Who would give thumbs down for this beatifull singing and playing? Nobody I think.

[@arlem525]

My Mother's funeral is tomorrow. This song is a great comfort for me.

[@aditya_saha]

😢

[@chrisross9248]

Isn't it wonderful how we can find comfort in the most unlikely places when we're grieving? It's almost like our loved ones are guiding us and helping us find peace.

[@rerobertson82]

This was one my mom’s favorites. Condolences.

[@arlem525]

@@rerobertson82 thank you for your kind words

[@philipdbryant]

We played this exact song to open my fathers funeral. It was perfect! Condolences to you and your family! ❤️

[@bonniekaye]

*This song means the world to me.* *On April 10th, 2017, my beautiful 17 year old Granddaughter was Promoted to Heaven.* *How I miss my Angela* 💕 *Looking forward to joining her, in God's Timing.* ❤

[@timothysobina6777]

Bonnie, I can feel you pain and sadness. We too, lost our young grandson about a year ago too... prayers & blessings for the strength needed to you and yours. ✝️

[@bonniekaye]

@@timothysobina6777 Thank you. 🌹 My deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in our prayers.

[@albertbrancato2586]

It can't get any better than this. Several months after my Mom died back in 2014 I listened to this song and paid attention to the lyrics. The tears began to flow. A very moving part of our American heritage.

[@eleynb]

I saw her open for John Prine and she was a complete unknown to me, when she hit that first note there was a collective shift in the seats of everyone in the theater, it was incredible

[@rickmanley767]

That’s where I found out about her too.

[@triddell]

Wow. Iris Dement's voice is amazing. Her confidence is, too.

[@bucknuts6762]

i swear that Michelle Wright Iris DeMent Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh never age they are Gods gift to us

[@nathanrieke5061]

Who cares where the music comes from, people? Just sit back, crank this up, and enjoy. This is a great version of one of the greatest gospel songs ever.

[@adamluntz7228]

Look no further friends, this is the best recording of this song. Awesome.

[@Embosan]

+Adam Luntz Damn right! Superb rendition-

[@angelsonthemountain321]

Awesome in every sense.

[@tomy5868]

+Adam Luntz look up Mother Maybelle Carter and this song...ykes! The Carter Family...

[@stephen399]

Have you seen the version from the video game bioshock infinite? Goosebumps

[@tomy5868]

...or the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band end of the album.

[@geralddaniel5150]

I love iris Dement.

[@ellenweiner8459]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL harmony ! Iris’s voice is so unique & fragile , it makes me emotional 🥲

[@coleparker]

Ken Burns did a special series on Country Music. I watch it in 2019 with my elderly 92 year old mother. This was the last song in the series she and I watched together in November of that year. She passed away in February 2020 with symptoms similar to COVID. Even today I cannot listen to this song without feeling a great sadness.

[@davidwilliamson4937]

Iris DeMent….love. An American Icon

[@jockellis]

That reminds me of the beautiful folk songs we listened to in the ‘60s.

[@scottsmith4612]

Short and to the point: I've heard this performed by many others, including the great Roy Acuff, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on the "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" album, the Carter Family, and more. This is the best. I feel these ladies, especially Iris, are thinking about what they are singing rather than just mouthing the words.

[@erinikeuchi6447]

The twin fiddles and beautiful voices just give me the chills. Amazing!

[@dmanmi1673]

I love this version of this song. Love the band, they are really great. But vocally this is one of the tightest and most incredible performances of all time. Each of these ladies brings their own special vocal talent. Michelle has a beautiful powerful voice with a range she is barely using, Iris has a deep emotional and soulful expressiveness that is nearly indescribable, and Mairead has a soft gorgeous ethereal quality. Bravo! 👏👏👏👏 Bravo! 👏👏👏👏 - 👍

[@e.conboy4286]

Best performance I’ve heard! Wonderful harmony, great tempo perfect enunciation! Bravo and love! ❤️

[@nathanrieke5061]

This is how it's done. Perfect from start to finish. The harmonies are something to behold, they're spot-on. If you're gonna do an old-school gospel song, this is how you do it. Nothing else even comes close.

[@tonyvella1315]

This is extraordinary. 3 hugely talented beautiful ladies giving it their all. I had never heard this version of this wonderful song. Simply majestic. Thank you God. ❤

[@FRATZROCKET]

I love Iris. What a voice.

[@timoflea8417]

I have now added this performance to my top ten renderings of this classic as I brush the tears from my eyes. Friends, there are so many wonderful recorded performances of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" that I've enjoyed - cherished - over the span of my many years all of which tells me there are bound to be myriad heart felt versions out there which I will most likely never know. Oh,I cannot even list all those I have heard. The powerful gospel/blues/roots performance delivered up by The Reverend Gary Davis; the version from the album of the same name from The Earl Scruggs Review (ca.1970ish - the version I think is the 'classic' for my generation); from EmmyLou Harris (solo and with friends); the pure essence and clarity of the timeless Carter Family classic... Oh, well -- may as well try and catch the wind as to even feign such an undertaking as to name all those who've done justice to the song. Why, a mere glance to the right of my screen shows a lineup of artists beyond my ability to essay here. I'll end here by saying aloud what I wonder (a lot, and often these days), namely, "who will sing it for me when it's my time to travel that final road?"

[@dilwyn1]

@ tim ... My thoughts exactly. This is at the top of my list "For that day"

[@tophatbill77]

The last verse is what makes this version the best in my book. Bit it couldn't get there without the begining. I sang this song and my moms funeral when I was 12 years old and it means more then I can even put into words. But this recoding is the one I come to when I want to hear it as it should be.

[@e.conboy4286]

Just name the groups which haven’t recorded it!

[@e.conboy4286]

God for you tophatbill. . But I know it wasn’t easy. The angels enjoyed your singing I’m sure. May your mother rest in heavenly peace. ❤

[@UlrichWeber747-8F]

Michelle Wright is a beauty with a wonderful voice...

[@jimbetzing3587]

Sitting on the side of the road, truck broke down, listened to this, there's a better world waiting.

[@TheNativeWaterDame]

We had this requested for a very sweet lady that we cared for. When I see the respect and love for a body laid to rest, and a song requested saying exactly just that, well, it just doesn't get any better than that! They are our treasure and the circle does go on, and never broken.

[@elan455]

I just discovered Iris DeMent. I am in heaven.

[@joehamilton2042]

I did too, my friend. I'm convinced there's nothing like her. She came to my attention when I listened to, "In Spite of Our Selves" by John Prine (and her). Her voice tweaks my emotions, so I'm exploring her song list. Feels good!

[@krisfrick]

Well, I discovered her through this exact song, six years ago! I instantly checked if she was playing in my town, she was, and I quickly bought a ticket! Indescribable!

[@purveyor24]

To tomtscotland.....I was born in Glasgow @ Parkhead Cross ( actually 1251 Duke St ) and over here my Dad was the leader of the band for all our Scottish parties and sing alongs as he played the accordian, piano and organ by ear and in the key you were singing. And he just passed away a week ago @ 85, he WAS the leader of the band and I'll miss him so....and Iris Dement and these songs bring back memories of our Scottish parties....Jim Archer

[@dinnerbucket9]

No voice better expresses the soul of country music than that of Ms. Dement. Moreover, it is mine to take take personal offense at any comments that indicate otherwise. Finally, I know that her voice is the one I want echoing off my tombstone when the great and lasting moment comes. Thank you very much.

[@pattidiane]

I wish I was sitting and singing with this wonderful group!

[@maxrawnsley1401]

me too

[@sandytaylor8482]

Me too. What fun it would be to sit and jam with them.

[@kerryeveritt1872]

This version of this great song is the best one for me. Sending love to my Mum Molly in heaven since 2017. She loved Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham who playing in this❤

[@kenderrysgreenpastures3662]

Fab selection of artists in fine vocal , perfect delivery , could listen to it forever .

[@OhSusannah63]

What a fantastic pairing. I love Michelle Wright- she's Canadian.And Iris DeMent is just astounding as always.....

[@allanbriggs807]

And Don't forget Moread - lead singer of Altan - an Irish folk group who have helped to keep traditional Irish music alive

[@jamesdolan4042]

I don't see many comments about Mairead Ni Mheaonigh. Mairead is a very accomplished singer both in english agus as gaelige and fiddle player. She has headed the Irish trad group Altan for many years now. She is a natural fluid native speaker and hails all the way from Co. Donegal. She is a good looking very down to earth woman. I sense through not knowing she has been left out of the coversation here.

[@smartliving4464]

Agreed, she has a pure Irish traditional folk voice, power to her. Iris has a very powerful singing voice which is perfect in harmonies

[@joaquinvargas3915]

Nice all around but when Iris comes in, it's just on a whole other level. Her voice cuts through and her phrasing is so soulful. Some people where just put together to sing. She's one of them.

[@trevormcgaughran9351]

Also her accent adds a great deal to this version.

[@krisfrick]

Amén!

[@richarda.kauffman7526]

Yes, but her voice doesn't blend well with others, same problem opera singers have.

[@jesiahsamson2297]

you all prolly dont give a damn but does anybody know a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly forgot my login password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me.

[@colbydeandre5284]

@Jesiah Samson instablaster :)

[@dms47949]

This has got to be the best version of this song I have ever heard! REPLAY>>>REPLAY>>>>>REPLAY>>>>>>REPLAY>>> .... ect ect

[@EdwardVassar]

This is the best version I have heard or hope to hear.

[@arghapirate2427]

This song made my cry like my mother had died, but she's fine, ok and alive and kicking. :)

[@geirlarsen1130]

This beats most of all I've ever heard- And I've heard a lot!

[@TheDemigreg]

Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh adds an amazing Irish lit element to the vocals. Nice complement with the American singers.

[@xdanbo1859]

FYI, Michelle Wright is Canadian. Iris DeMent is the only American, the band is Scots Irish.

[@allanbriggs807]

@@xdanbo1859 I think he is talking about the continent - North America might be more accurate.

[@richcianci]

@@xdanbo1859 Jay Ungar (fiddle) and Molly Mason (guitar) are American.

[@smartliving4464]

Love the way Michelle connects with both Iris and Mairead throughout the song, with her softer Irish folk song voice it would be easy for Mairead to feel secondary next to the other stronger voices especially Iris's, but Michelle makes every effort to show her that her contribution is important and valued

[@teller1290]

Michelle is stunning.

[@HungryEars]

Holy cow that Scot can play some convincing sounding Cajun style on a piano accordion!

[@annedunne4526]

Phil Cunningham

[@raymondmassey1]

Iris, Mairead & Michelle do Alvin, Sara and Maybelle proud with this rendition.

[@kitty79532]

Currently learning this on the dulcimer and this version in particular is very inspiring . Iris has one of the most beautiful voices.

[@georgebarr9503]

Several family and friends have passed on fairly recently. This brings tears to my eyes.

[@ewanhaig4566]

+George Barr sorry for your losses George. But it will get better over time, trust me. And listening to this kind of music helps a lot

[@georgebarr9503]

+Ewan Haig Thank you.

[@rayilvem]

Wow , twang That thang , you can't see them but I promise you my toes are dancing in my boots ! wunderbar !

[@maryplaidy6814]

Excellent! Takes me back to my youth in Appalachia. Simply wonderful.

[@michaels.chupka9411]

my god. the harmony. the harmony.

[@mobius8002]

The beautiful voice of dear iris dement .like the sorrow of a kentucky miners widow ...such vocal emotion...best fiddle player good ole scots laddie .

[@rayilvem]

Wow can y'all come and play at my 70th ? I would be in heaven already !

[@DanielCPurdy]

I have watched this quite a few times and watched other versions. I like this version best; it comes across as a gentle folk Hymn best.

[@smokeythehobo]

Iris really steals the show here!!

[@TheRoberto810]

Masz stuprocentową rację muzyka jest naprawdę fantastyczna, chwyta za serce, wspaniała aranżacja i wykonanie profesjonalne, czysty śpiew. Aż miło się tego słucha. Uwielbiam ten rodzaj muzyki Westernowej.:))

[@mcbigham]

Iris Dement is my favorite female singer, Then add Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh and Michelle Wright....WOW. Great Job.

[@65tbird4ever]

Know how you find a treasure every now and again on this u-tube thing? well here is one. Love it!!

[@JMDinOKC]

Three women with beautiful faces and beautiful voices.

[@charlesduguid4811]

What a terrific version of this song and especially with such a talented backing group to include Aly Bain [ fiddle] and Phil Cunninghsam [accordian]

[@rondaheppner1935]

Iris! No analysis, just heart-felt joy of good music..

[@Harriet1822]

Love the way Michelle conducts with glances and smiles.

[@syourke3]

Real music by real musicians for real people! Wow! What a concept!

[@FromHolbergsTime]

A marvelous version of this classic and enduring song, really fine musicianship and superlative vocals throughout!

[@RosslynStClair]

Don't forget there is some Irish in there too!!! re: Clogging=Irish jig. In my town in Tn, there was an ancient cemetary on our farm with many Irish names. So many of them children. Life was so harsh, but yet beautiful. So sad, but their music fills the mountains.

[@pokeysdad17]

iris dement gives me goose bumps

[@genehess8589]

nothing but best i've ever herd.

[@trevorschaefer5712]

Love this song and also "Let the Mystery Be" and Rob, step inside man, God cares for you just as much as the rest of us - choose where you want to spend your "eternal future". Greetings from Australia

[@pauladair3765]

This is a really nice version of this classic song . Nice timing . I have looked at a lot of other versions and I feel they are too fast . I play Country Guitar and appreciate a well done song .

[@keithoneil6711]

Wow so very beautiful voices and I just love this song beautiful

[@temmykariuki1513]

I first heard this song in the 1980s sang as "DADDY SANG BASS" by SKEETER DAVIS. It has been touching my heart when I remember my late Mum now with the Lord in the New Jerusalem City

[@pem1126]

One song is all it took. I plan to buy all her albums.

[@deckiedeckie]

She (Irish DeMent) really adds soul to her singing...special

[@Scotsgrey13]

Growing up, I was practically neighbors with Iris Dement, in northeastern Arkansas, but never heard of her until about three years ago. Love her singing! Listen to her on the True Grit soundtrack from 2010.

[@georgedrakoulas685]

I get goosebumps listening to iris

[@MrBuckshot44]

three very different female voices that mesh very well..........I've been an Iris DeMent fan for quite a while , these other two ladies have remarkable voices that stand on their own quite well . Well done , hard not to like . I see there are 13 dislikes , wonder if these are the folks that would indict a ham sandwich if called for grand jury duty........

[@MarvPerk3]

yes, there are haters in the world that criticize most anything. and one of them couldn't manage to even comment without using profanity and scolding everyone from having an opinion. You know who you are, Ali.

[@trevormcgaughran9351]

MarvPerk3 I agree 100% with your comment - couldn't have put it better myself.

[@jamesbrown9130]

I met Michelle Wright at Massey Hall back in the early 90's. She opened for Prairie Oyster. Steve Wariner was on the same bill. Nice gal. Great show.

[@Damuse8191]

What a group of beautiful souls.

[@dianathompson2162]

have just found bluegrass gospel another to add to my "old" favourites, c&w gospel. thank you Lord more to add to my colections

[@bazthehandyman]

Wow...Iris...fantastic.

[@lechat8736]

One of the most beautiful versions of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken", at least for me :) Thank you very much for sharing!

[@captined]

she brings peace to me

[@bobbo422]

Amen brother. PTL for the Scots who emigrated to America.

[@Meggey]

So I never heard this song and my mom passed away July 7th at 7 a. M. Of this year so. I’m done exploring music for now. But it’s fuckijg beautiful and the band members too!!!

[@mikehaws3187]

Yup a classic gospel bluegrass song.. Mom i miss u

[@richiepeck7022]

Chills. Every time

[@tomy5868]

just too good...sorry that Nashville cant even come close to this anymore...shame.

[@dinnerbucket9]

Such joy and heart and humility and import....the agnostic bows his head and prays.

[@garymoore8711]

Songwriter, singer, Iris is the best.

[@allanbriggs9007]

Beautiful - just beautiful.

[@pedrotalavera6331]

Hermosas voces Sras. Michelle Wright and Iris DeMent y ese hermoso tema más que un himno "Will The Circle Be Unbroken"

[@johnschroeter9743]

was standing by my window On one cold and cloudy day When I saw that hearse come rolling For to carry my mother away Will the circle be unbroken By and by, Lord, by and by There's a better home a-waiting In the sky, Lord, in the sky I said to that undertaker Undertaker please drive slow For this lady you are carrying Lord, I hate to see her go Will the circle be unbroken By and by, Lord, by and by There's a better home a-waiting In the sky, Lord, in the sky Oh, I followed close behind her Tried to hold up and be brave But I could not hide my sorrow When they laid her in the grave Will the circle be unbroken By and by, Lord, by and by There's a better home a-waiting In the sky, Lord, in the sky I went back home Lord, my home was lonesome Missed my mother, she was gone All of my brothers, sisters crying What a home so sad and lone Will the circle be unbroken By and by, Lord, by and by There's a better home a-waiting In the sky, Lord, in the sky Will the circle be unbroken By and by, Lord, by and by There's a better home a-waiting In the sky, Lord, in the sky

[@peelermac]

I love this version and these singers!

[@VICTORTASSIETIGER]

Amazing song..

[@FernandoSilva-it7xm]

So so sweet...the bessst...so charming...its moves me away so sweeeettt...those beatiful ladys ....awesome.

[@CruiserMac]

Beautiful, simply beautiful.

[@teresabarrett3442]

Love Iris voice ❤❤

[@danielgoodyouarroyo7773]

BLUESNISIMO . THERE IS ALWAYS ANOTHER VERSION TO LISTEN AND LISTEN TO . HAPPY DAY HAPPY LIFE

[@xaviergutierrez8786]

Born in raised in the City of L.A., but this song as always - wow...