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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: Gateway Worship Español Find Faith Through Community With This Performance Of "Danzado"
Gateway Worship Español

Photo: Cory Hale

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Positive Vibes Only: Gateway Worship Español Find Faith Through Community With This Performance Of "Danzado"

Texas-based worship music collective Gateway Worship Español revel in the power of God's healing and protection in this engaging performance of their breakthrough single, "Danzando."

GRAMMYs/Mar 26, 2023 - 03:36 pm

Gateway Worship Español trusts the power of God's healing and protection in their breakthrough single, "Danzando." God's security is always there, allowing them to consistently remain positive and hopeful.

"Your word says/ Even if I go through the fire, I will not burn/ And if I go through the waters, I won't drown," they sing in the track's intro. As the message of the song conveys, they keep dancing and praising even when times are tough.

In this episode of Positive Vibes Only, Gateway Worship Español deliver a vibrant performance of "Danzando." The song uses a call-and-response technique at the bridge, offering a space for the audience to engage with the performers.

Gateway Worship Español is a division of the Southlake, Texas-based ministry Gateway Church that brings together a community of Hispanic performers. According to their artist biography, the 13 members of the collective work together to build the kingdom of God and bless nations around the globe with their music. And "Danzando" is proof that their music is resonating: the song has been at No. 1 for 42 weeks on monitorLATINO, which monitors top radio stations in more than 18 countries.

Press play on the video above to watch Gateway Worship Español rejoice in the spirit of Jesus as they perform "Danzando," and keep checking back to GRAMMY.com every Sunday for more new episodes of Positive Vibes Only.

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Positive Vibes Only: DOE Finds Growth In Her Pain In This Acoustic Performance Of "Hey You"
DOE

Photo: Artimio Black

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Positive Vibes Only: DOE Finds Growth In Her Pain In This Acoustic Performance Of "Hey You"

Christian singer DOE performs a stripped-down version of the track, offering the pearls of wisdom she's learned from her past relationships.

GRAMMYs/Mar 12, 2023 - 07:00 pm

Falling out of love can be an agonizing feeling. But as Christian singer DOE explores through her introspection in "Hey You," there's growth found within that experience.

In this episode of Positive Vibes Only, DOE performs the extended version of the track, offering the pearls of wisdom she's learned from her past relationships: "Don't lose the ones you love/ Don't lose them to poor communication/ Stop blaming it on your personality/ Grow up and show up and learn communication," she sings in the song's outro.

This stripped-down performance of "Hey You" features only DOE's soft vocals and guitar playing. Because of its simplistic nature, the lyrics are able to shine through, emphasizing DOE's message.

"Hey You" is a B-side from DOE's latest album, Clarity. DOE is a devout Christian and grew up performing at her church in Louisiana prior to joining the twice GRAMMY-nominated gospel group Forever Jones. As DOE said on her website, she now uses her solo music as a space to share what God has taught her without being overtly religious.

Press play on the video above to watch DOE's acoustic performance of "Hey You," and keep checking back to GRAMMY.com every Sunday for more episodes of Positive Vibes Only.

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

Photo: YNOT Images

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

Accompanied by a captivating musical ensemble, Rock City Church's Pastor Mike Jr. celebrates a season of blessings in this live performance of "Winning."

GRAMMYs/Feb 26, 2023 - 07:46 pm

Since stepping into the gospel scene in 2019, Pastor Mike Jr. has made quite the impression.

The Birmingham-born spiritual leader skyrocketed to fame after the release of his debut album, Live Free, which captivated the world with his infectious, high-spirited joy for God. Today, Pastor Mike Jr. is "Winning" back-to-back, recently becoming an 11x Stellar Award champion and uplifting one of the fastest-growing ministries in the south, Rock City Church.

In this episode of Positive Vibes Only, Pastor Mike Jr. performs the title track from his latest EP, Winning. With the accompaniment of an ensemble, he celebrates a season of blessings thanks to God's work: "Never had a problem that He couldn't solve/ Mountain that He couldn't move/ So I know I cannot lose."

The performance overflows with praise and gratitude as he belts from a rooftop, pumping up the crowd with his dance moves.

Winning is the follow-up EP to Pastor Mike Jr.'s successful second album, I Got It: Single's Ministry, Vol. 1. The album helped the hip-hop gospel leader snag six Stellar Awards in 2022, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.

Press play on the video above to watch Pastor Mike Jr.'s rapturous performance of "Winning," and keep checking back to GRAMMY.com every Sunday for more new episodes of Positive Vibes Only.

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Positive Vibes Only: Watch Housefires Illustrate The Power Of Jesus' Love With "Lean On The Lord"
Housefires

Photo: The Icho Group

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Positive Vibes Only: Watch Housefires Illustrate The Power Of Jesus' Love With "Lean On The Lord"

Atlanta-based worship group Housefires come together for an impassioned performance of "Lean on the Lord," a track from their recently released album, 'How To Start A Housefire.'

GRAMMYs/Feb 19, 2023 - 08:08 pm

For worship collective Housefires, trusting in Christ is the answer to life's struggles. That's exactly the message of their new song "Lean on the Lord."

In this episode of Positive Vibes Only, Housefires deliver an inspirational performance of the track, complete with live instrumentation and a backing choir. At the helm is vocalist Ryan Ellis, with the entire 12-piece group providing powerful harmonies on the chorus. 

"Some things don't make sense/ But one thing's for sure/ When I lean on You, Lord/ Lean on You, Lord/ Somehow Your love gives me the strength to go on," they sing.

"Lean on the Lord" is a cut from Housefires' new album, How To Start A Housefire, which the group released in January. It's Housefires' first studio album since 2017, but the collective has released three live albums in between.

The group put together How To Start A Housefire to remind listeners that their mission hasn't changed since their 2014 formation — despite the fact they have experienced commercial success. According to a press release, "The songs were meant to be a resource for the church in thought and creed rather than elements to tack onto a Sunday setlist."

Press play on the video above to watch Housefires' full performance, and check back to GRAMMY.com for more episodes of Positive Vibes Only.

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