This Alison Krauss Version Of ‘Down To The River To Pray’ May Be My Favorite

“Down To The River To Pray” is a moving song. The song is appreciated well beyond the typical listener of Christian hymns when it was included in the movie,” O’Brother Where Art Thou?” And the angelic voice of  bluegrass country singer Alison Krauss takes this beautiful hymn to another level.

Alison Krauss Sings “Down To The River To Pray”

Alison Krauss is able to captivate a crowd with her stirring version of this song.

Her unique voice has won her dozens of Grammys. To the point that the “Whiskey Lullaby” singer is actually the most awarded living Grammy recipient.

Krauss has a truly signature voice that lends itself so beautifully to this spiritual song. In the video below, she sings “Down To The River To Pray” with the Berklee Gospel Ensemble.

Simply gorgeous. This song always touches my soul. It’s so very moving. Everyone in that choir felt the energy of that song. What a perfect performance.

A Timeless Hymn

The song was published in “Slave Songs Of The United States” in 1867.

“Down To The River To Pray” is a timeless hymn that I just never get tired of hearing.

It is a perfect song to celebrate Baptisms and Christian faith. The song was originally sung at outdoor baptisms, as the refrain implies.

The lyrics to the song are below.

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown?
Good Lord show me the way!

O sisters let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O sisters let’s go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the robe & crown?
Good Lord show me the way

For another fun performance of this classic hymn, check out how it was done for the hilarious 2000 Coen Brothers film O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Big New Tour

Alison Krauss is set to make some more magic memories with a new 2024 tour.

Reuniting with the legendary Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant, the two are heading out on a nationwide “Can’t Let Go” tour.

USA Today reports:

The tour’s set list will draw from the musicians’ pair of acclaimed albums: 2007’s Grammy-sweeping “Raising Sand” and 2021’s “Raise the Roof,” both produced by Bob Dylan guitarist T Bone Burnett. Plant and Krauss will deliver a fusion of early blues, country deep cuts, revolutionary folk-rock and lost soul music written by the likes of Merle Haggard, The Everly Brothers, Ola Belle Reed, Brenda Burns and more. They’ll also be reimagining Led Zeppelin cuts such as “The Battle of Evermore,” “Rock & Roll” and “When the Levee Breaks.” 

If you like Alison Krauss, click here to watch Alison Kraus sing “I’ll Fly Away.”

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