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Positive Vibes Only: The Blind Boys Of Alabama Perform Soul-Soothing Cover Of "If I Had A Hammer"

The Blind Boys Of Alabama

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Positive Vibes Only: The Blind Boys Of Alabama Perform Soul-Soothing Cover Of "If I Had A Hammer"

Led off by a heart-strengthening monologue from inspirational speaker Danielle LaPorte, the gospel greats offer a gorgeous take on the Pete Seeger classic

GRAMMYs/Feb 1, 2021 - 01:01 am

In uncertain times such as these, it's hard to tell how an earnest paean for peace like Pete Seeger's "If I Had A Hammer" has practical utility. This week's Positive Vibes Only episode revisits the song in the service of healing, reconciliation and optimism.

While Blind Boys Of Alabama may be best known for their heavy-hearted version of Tom Waits' "Way Down In The Hole"—read: you've got to keep the devil down there as the Season 1 theme music to HBO's "The Wire"—they can give you the strength to carry on, too. Their gorgeous, exuberant cover of "Hammer" is proof positive of this.

At the top of the video, author, motivational speaker and entrepreneur Danielle LaPorte offers a soothing monologue about the intersection of faith and doubt. She explains why the latter isn't a bogeyman to be feared and avoided, but "an invitation for us to double down on our faith."

Watch the uplifting performance of "If I Had A Hammer" by Blind Boys Of Alabama below, and explore more episodes of GRAMMY.com's transformative Positive Vibes Only series.

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Positive Vibes Only: Kings Return Kick Off The Holiday Season With A Jolly Performance Of "Mary, Did You Know?"
Kings Return

Photo: Courtesy of Kings Return

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Positive Vibes Only: Kings Return Kick Off The Holiday Season With A Jolly Performance Of "Mary, Did You Know?"

Dallas-based a cappella group Kings Return celebrates the holidays with a unique arrangement of "Mary, Did You Know?," a Christmas classic addressed to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

GRAMMYs/Nov 28, 2023 - 10:42 pm

This Christmas season, Dallas-bred a cappella group Kings Return honor the truth of Jesus — tracing back to the Nativity scene in the Bible when the world first met Him on the track "Mary, Did You Know?"

"Mary, did you know/ That your baby boy is Lord of all creation?/ Mary, did you know/ That your baby boy would one day rule the nations?," the quartet sings. "This sleeping child you're holding/ Is the great I am."

In this episode of Positive Vibes Only, Kings Return perform a stunning rendition of "Mary, Did You Know?," standing around one mic to let their four harmonies shine.

"Mary, Did You Know?" is a track from Kings Returns' newest Christmas EP, We Four Kings, which also features original arrangements of festive hits like "Let It Snow," "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and more. We Four Kings is the second holiday EP in their discography; they released their first, A Merry Little Christmas, in 2021.

Kings Return will further celebrate the holiday season with their Holiday Tour, beginning Dec. 1 in Washington D.C. and concluding on Dec. 22 in their native Dallas — just in time for Christmas.

Press play on the video above to hear Kings Return's jolly rendition of "Mary, Did You Know?," and check back to GRAMMY.com every Monday for more new episodes of Positive Vibes Only.

Positive Vibes Only: Red Rocks Worship Reveals God’s "Good Plans" With This Tranquil Performance

Positive Vibes Only: Sarah Kroger Celebrates "Belovedness" In This Uplifting Piano Performance
Sarah Kroger

Photo: Courtesy of Sarah Kroger

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Positive Vibes Only: Sarah Kroger Celebrates "Belovedness" In This Uplifting Piano Performance

Contemporary worship leader and songwriter Sarah Kroger offers an encouraging message of self-love in this stripped-down performance of her breakthrough single, "Belovedness."

GRAMMYs/Nov 6, 2023 - 08:00 pm

Everyone knows how easy it is to get hung up in self-loathing. But on her breakthrough single "Belovedness," worship singer Sarah Kroger reminds us it's time to appreciate our God-given beauty and His steadfast love, too.

"He says, 'You're mine, I smiled when I made you/ I find you beautiful in every way,'" Kroger sings in the chorus. "'My love for you is fierce and unending/ I'll come to find you, whatever it takes/ My beloved.'"

In this episode of Positive Vibes Only, Kroger delivers a solo performance of "Belovedness" using just a piano.

"Belovedness" is a single from Kroger's latest studio project, Light. She released her debut live album, The London Sessions, via Integrity Music earlier this year. She is also a member of the multi-cultural trio Village Lights and the female collective FAITHFUL.

Beyond music, Kroger is a contemporary worship leader in the Catholic Church. "Worship became my language with God," she revealed in a press statement. "It allowed me to communicate with the Lord in a way I hadn't experienced before. There was something about it that opened my heart."

Press play on the video above to hear Sarah Kroger's uplifting performance of "Belovedness," and check back to GRAMMY.com every Monday for more new episodes of Positive Vibes Only.

Positive Vibes Only: Anna Golden Goes From "Glory To Glory" During This Empowering Performance Of Her New Track

Positive Vibes Only: Brandon Lake Waves His "Coat Of Many Colors" In This Uplifting Performance
Brandon Lake

Photo: Courtesy of Brandon Lake

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Positive Vibes Only: Brandon Lake Waves His "Coat Of Many Colors" In This Uplifting Performance

Contemporary worship singer Brandon Lake presents an acoustic take on "Coat of Many Colors," the lead single and title track from his new album.

GRAMMYs/Oct 23, 2023 - 07:28 pm

Contemporary worship singer Brandon Lake has gone through many ups and downs, from discovering his worst enemies were people he loved to hitting peak hopelessness. But the one consistent thing is God — and that's comforting enough to transcend every obstacle.

"Was lying in a pit/ But I'm walking the palace now," Lake proclaims in his track "Coat of Many Colors" (not to be confused with the 1971 Dolly Parton classic of the same name). "Once I was a beggar, now I live in the King's house."

In this episode of Positive Vibes Only, Lake delivers a live performance of "Coat of Many Colors," supported by a percussionist and guitarist.

"Coat of Many Colors" is the title track of Lake's newest album, which arrived on Oct. 20 via Provident Label Group. The songs from the project are heavily inspired by the story of Joseph.

"He was misunderstood," Lake said in a statement. "He had dreams that got him in trouble, and he had to go through the process of trusting his dreams and being faithful to God. Joseph went from a pit to a palace, and this album explores this theme heavily."

On Oct. 26, Lake will begin the Coat of Many Colors Tour in Tyler, Texas, supported by Benjamin William Hastings and Leeland.

Press play on the video above to hear Brandon Lake's encouraging performance of "Coat of Many Colors," and check back to GRAMMY.com every Monday for more new episodes of Positive Vibes Only.

Positive Vibes Only: Watch Cody Carnes Find A "Firm Foundation" Through God In This Acoustic Performance

Positive Vibes Only: Branan Murphy & Davies Learn The Beauty Of Being "Still" In This Performance Of Their Collab
Branan Murphy

Photo: Kristen Balani

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Positive Vibes Only: Branan Murphy & Davies Learn The Beauty Of Being "Still" In This Performance Of Their Collab

Christian musicians Branan Murphy and Davies share their testimony of God's greatness in this performance of their collaborative single, "Still."

GRAMMYs/Oct 16, 2023 - 05:00 pm

Despite having a solid foundation for his religion, Christian artist Branan Murphy still falls victim to anxiety and discouragement. As he reveals in his collaboration with Davies, "Still," understanding God's truths gives him the strength to keep moving forward.

"'Cause You're a right now, God/ But sometimes You're not/ I will worship you either way," Murphy assures in the track's intro. "You're still/ Still moving here and now/ Silencing every doubt/ You're still holding on to me/ So maybe I should just be still."

In this performance for Positive Vibes Only, Murphy teams up with his fellow worship musician to deliver their testimony. The pair pace through the venue before finally coming together, still in the presence of God and their shared faith alongside a group of background vocalists.

Murphy and Davies released "Still" on May 26 via Paravel Records and DREAM Records. Later this year, Murphy will drop his next album, Life Is Hard. God Is Good.

The Christian singer has released a number of tracks from the forthcoming LP, including its title track. On Oct. 13, he dropped the latest release, "God of My Tomorrow."

Press play on the video above to hear Branan Murphy's encouraging performance of "Still" featuring Davies, and check back to GRAMMY.com every Monday for more new episodes of Positive Vibes Only.

Positive Vibes Only: Pastor Mike Jr. Praises God From The Rooftops In This Effervescent Performance Of "Winning"