"Let Freedom Ring" by Abby Anderson

YouTube ^ | 2/2/2016 | Abby Anderson

[pgyanke]

Let Freedom Ring by Abby Anderson

Abby Anderson is an 18 year-old contemporary country singer/songwriter and native Texan.

Glenn Beck first met Anderson when he attended the graduation ceremony of Pat’s school. Anderson, who is a classically trained singer, songwriter, pianist, and guitarist, was asked to perform at the event. While she initially had planned on singing a different song, she felt moved at the last moment to sing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”

“She just starts to play the piano. It’s one of those upright pianos. And all of a sudden this amazing song spills out of her,” Glenn explained. “I approached Abby and her family and said, ‘If you would donate all of the proceeds so we could help build schools and help education and help our soldiers who we have abandoned at the VA, if you would help us raise money and donate those proceeds, we’ll promote it.’ So I mentioned it a couple of days ago, and I don’t even know how much money it has raised, but the response has been pretty remarkable.”

In her short career, Anderson has already shared the stage with Peter Frampton, Peter Cetera, Lee Greenwood, Angela Johnson, Charlie Pride, and many, many others. She also played the Ryman Auditorium at just 15-years-old. After hearing her perform, country star Garth Brooks told fellow musician Trisha Yearwood that she would fall in love Anderson in the first 15 minutes.

Since this song was released, Anderson has enjoyed even more praise. “I mean now people are calling you and saying you should be on American Idol,” Glenn said.” Because you did all this, right? You arranged this?”

“I did. I wanted to say it was definitely my Heavenly Father… As I was playing, it was almost as if I moved my hands but it’s like God was moving them… It’s definitely one of those moments where you feel really, really close to God,” Anderson said emotionally. “I just had this feeling… It’s like I knew where I was supposed to go. And it’s just the coolest experience. I really just can’t explain it.”

While the original title of the song is “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” Anderson’s rendition places a poignant emphasis on the phrase “Great God our King.” It was that line in particular that really drew Glenn to her performance. “I really wanted to get a melody that would capture the words right. And so as I sat down and started playing, that’s when they was just this overwhelming spirit,” Anderson explained. “It was as if He almost wanted to emphasize He’s the reason we have freedom in this country, and He’s the reason for our Founding Fathers, and He’s the reason for everything. So I really wanted to make that a point.” While Anderson clearly has a very bright future, she remains very humble and aware of her age and the opportunity.

“That’s the thing. I’m 17. I don’t have any idea [what I want to do]… I still have to take the ACT. I’m just, you know, playing all that is out,” Anderson concluded. “But I mean, I just know this is what I want to do… And this is what I love to do. This is what, I think, Heavenly Father wants me to do, and I just enjoy it and I love it… Thank you for this opportunity. I appreciate it.”

Source: http://www.glennbeck.com/2014/06/13/17-year-old-abby-anderson-shares-the-story-behind-her-stirring-rendition-of-my-country-tis-of-thee/?utm_source=glennbeck&utm_medium=contentcopy_link

[pgyanke]

I see other songs being posted tonight. Abby's amazing.

[MEG33]

Uplifting and with a lovely presentation.

[MamaB]

I love the version by the Gaithers. We sang it during a patriotic program at church. The words are not the same. I think they are better.

[stars & stripes forever]

Thank you for posting that beautiful song. The lyrics and beautiful pictures put everything in perspective.

GOD bless America. America bless GOD.