James Rowe
James Rowe was born in Ireland and worked for the Irish Government before emigrating to the USA at the age of 24. Rowe was the son of a copper miner. Once he arrived in the states he worked for the railroads in Albany, NY for 10 years.
In later years, Rowe worked with in the music publishing industry-with companies such as the A.J. Showalter Music Company in Chattanooga, TN; and the James D. Vaughan Music Company, Lawrenceburg, TN. Before Rowe’s death he moved to Vermont where he and his daughter wrote greeting card verses.
The Hymntime.com website offers the following quote from Rowe’s daughter regarding the most famous song he penned-Love Lifted Me. She describes the composer, Howard E. Smith, who wrote the music for the song as Rowe described it to him.
“Howard E. Smith was a little man whose hands were so knotted with arthritis that you would wonder how he could use them at all, much less play the piano…I can see them now, my father [James Rowe] striding up and down humming a bar or two and Howard E. playing it and jotting it down.”
In recent weeks the Blind Pig Gang has been giving the song a try-see what you think of our version of Love Lifted Me.
Hope you enjoyed the the history and the song!
Tipper
*Source: Hymntime.com
19 Comments
Becky
May 21, 2014 at 8:11 amOne of my favorites! Loved hearing the guys sing it!!
Jeanette Minix
May 19, 2014 at 7:31 amBarney says “How can life get any better? I’ve heard my favorite duet singin’ my favorite song, might just as well go on to glory!”
RB
May 18, 2014 at 10:21 pmLove Lifted Me is one of my favorites.
God bless.
RB
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Bill Burnett
May 18, 2014 at 9:21 pmGreat Job on a great hymn, this takes me back to my early years in Brush Creek Baptist Church with my mom who had the most beautiful Alto voice singing this song in the choir then she along with my sisters and me singing this and other gospel songs as we traveled anywhere in a car. Thanks for the memories.
Ethel
May 18, 2014 at 6:47 pmYou sure are a talented bunch! Thanks for sharing the inspiration this Sunday.
b. Ruth
May 18, 2014 at 4:24 pmTipper,
For some reason I had trouble accessing your website this morning…Mornings are not always my best time…so I am sure it was operator error.
I always loved this song. The whole chuch would really get into the singing of this hymn. It is just joy filled. The blind pig rendition was wonderful. Thank you for the informations about the song and writer.
Thanks again Tipper,
PS..Hope it is warming up at your place this afternoon…I am so ready for the warmth but not “hot”…I am picky that way!
I try to put in my order for the weather, but Mother Nature always has her way! Most of the time! lol
Ken Roper
May 18, 2014 at 1:42 pmTipper,
“Love Lifted Me” is one of the songs
that we sung on Sunday mornings, at
Prayer Meetings on Wednesdays, and
Training Unions on Sunday Night, when
I was a young boy.
The Blind Pig Gang did an excellent
job singing it, and thanks for all the
history of Love Lifted Me. I Thank God
that we still have folks that sing
for the Glory of Our Maker…Ken
Sherry
May 18, 2014 at 1:17 pmOne of my very favorites! Loved listening to this today! Thank you. This one has been part of my
very life forever. Jesus is that love that lifts!
Lola Howard
May 18, 2014 at 12:48 pmTHE ONLY WORD I CAN THINK OF IS ,GREAT!!
Thank God for that love ,that lifted me 52 yrs ago,and set my feet on solid ground.
Have a great day ,and thank you all for the blessing.
Cynthia
May 18, 2014 at 11:53 amI grew up singing this hymn and I still remember the first verse and refrain. I enjoyed the guitar accompaniment and the harmony. It brought back many childhood memories of church out in the country and it brought tears to my eyes. This blog lifts my spirits!
Sue Crane
May 18, 2014 at 10:52 amSunday school & Vacation Bible School!!!!!
Joyce Heishman
May 18, 2014 at 9:29 amThanks for a great way to start my day. After listening to the video, I left your playlist run. It blessed my morning.
jane bolden
May 18, 2014 at 8:55 amBeautiful! Always loved this one. Enjoyed reading about James Rowe.
Gina S
May 18, 2014 at 8:32 amThis was my morning blessing.
Sheryl Paul
May 18, 2014 at 7:59 amLove your version and the song itself. It is good to get the background on these songs. Thanks
TimMc
May 18, 2014 at 7:47 amFirst off very good job,, That song has such a strong message, that every man women boy and girl needs to realize, and experience the “True Love of a Living God” thru his “Son Jesus”…
dolores
May 18, 2014 at 7:47 amA great song for a beautiful Sunday morning as we ready for Sunday services. I am always thankful for the history you share as well as the talents of your family.
Judy Mincey
May 18, 2014 at 7:41 amI learned that one in the cradle. Love that Harmony and beautiful picking!
Susan Cook
May 18, 2014 at 7:06 amOne of my very favorite hymns! Thanks for the story and especially the singing. Brought tears to my eyes.