Three-quarters of a century ago in Portland. Maine, a fierce form of religious fervor overtook a hardshelled Yankee named Andrew J. Johnson. Seeking out his young brother-in-law, Johnson accused him of writing songs in league with the Devil and, thrusting out his self-righteous chest, shouted: "I am bound to be a soldier in the army of the Lord! Glory! glory, Hallelujah!" Thomas Brigham Bishop, a farm-boy from the village of Wayne, jokingly set his brother-in-law's tirade to music. As popular as any popular song, Glory, Glory, Hallelujah was sung a few evenings...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In