How Long Has It BEEN+

-
1945

The hymn “How Long Has It Been?” is a 20th-century American gospel song.

It was written in 1945 by Mosie Lister, a prominent Southern gospel composer and member of the Statesmen Quartet.

Background

  • Written shortly after World War II.

  • The song reflects on personal devotion, asking how long it has been since one prayed or felt close to God.

  • It became popular in gospel and church music circles in the late 1940s and 1950s.

Notable Recordings

The hymn has been recorded by many artists, including:

  • Elvis Presley (on his 1960 album His Hand in Mine)

  • The Blackwood Brothers

  • Jim Reeves

How long has it existed?

As of 2026, the hymn has been around for about 81 years (since 1945).

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Peace in the Valley ++

-
Image
  1937 🎵 “Peace in the Valley” – Hymn History “Peace in the Valley” (originally “(There’ll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me)” ) is a beloved gospel song written in 1937 by Thomas A. Dorsey , often called the “Father of Black Gospel Music.” ✍️ Origins Written in 1937 First performed by gospel singer Mahalia Jackson The song was composed during the Great Depression, a time when messages of hope and comfort deeply resonated with audiences. Dorsey blended traditional Protestant hymn themes with African American spiritual and blues influences, helping to shape modern gospel music. 🎤 Rise to National Fame The song gained widespread popularity when Elvis Presley recorded it in 1957 on his gospel EP Peace in the Valley . His performance introduced the hymn to mainstream American audiences. Elvis also performed it during an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show , further cementing its place in popular culture. ✝️ Message & Meaning The hymn expresses: Hope for eternal peace ...
Read more

ill fly away+

-
Image
1929 I'll Fly Away “I’ll Fly Away” is one of the most recorded and beloved gospel hymns in American music history. ✍️ Origins The song was written in 1929 (published in 1932) by Albert E. Brumley , a former cotton picker from Oklahoma who became one of the most influential gospel songwriters of the 20th century. Brumley said he was inspired while picking cotton and imagining a better life beyond hardship. The lyric “some glad morning when this life is over, I’ll fly away” reflects themes of hope, heaven, and freedom from earthly struggles—ideas that resonated deeply during the Great Depression. 🎵 Musical Style & Influence Rooted in Southern gospel tradition Simple melody designed for congregational singing Became a staple in churches, revivals, and shape-note singing conventions It is often considered one of the most recorded gospel songs of all time. 📀 Notable Recordings The hymn has been recorded by hundreds of artists across genres, including: Alison Krauss...
Read more

JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN+

-
Image
1900 . “Jesus Loves the Little Children” – History of the Hymn “Jesus Loves the Little Children” is one of the most beloved children’s hymns in Christian tradition. Its simple message of love, unity, and equality has made it popular in churches and Sunday schools for over a century. ✍️ Author The lyrics were written by Clare Herbert Woolston (1856–1927), a Baptist pastor and evangelist. Woolston is said to have written the song around 1900 . According to tradition, he composed it for a children’s program or to support the message of missionary work. The song was first published in a collection of children’s gospel songs. 🎵 Tune The melody most commonly used for the hymn is called “Tramp! Tramp! Tramp!” , composed by George F. Root in 1864. Root originally wrote the tune for a Civil War song titled “Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! (The Prisoner’s Hope).” Later, the melody was adapted for several hymns, including “Jesus Loves the Little Children.” 🌍 Message and Impact ...
Read more