“Only on the Black Keys”
The ship was taking on water from the storm at an alarming rate and the possibility of the vessel broaching became eminent. Over five hundred passengers plus the crew had little hope for survival from the raging sea. The Captain fearing the worst stood alone on the deck crying out for “GOD have mercy” on his ship and the six hundred plus souls on board. Survive they did and later that night in his cabin the Captain entered in the ships log the events along with the accounting of his total surrender to the fate of Providence. The rest of his life he would observed the May 10 as the day he became subject to a higher power.
I can hear the questions now: “Where’s he going?” Well here is my objective. Our lives and our passions are intertwined with History and the makers of History. Our Captain continued operating his vessel for seven more years, however there was a difference. There was a noticeable change in his attitude. You see those five Hundred plus passengers were Slaves from Africa being delivered to the new land of America. Five Hundred souls jammed into a space that would uncomfortably fit less that one hundred. They were stripped of clothing and laid side by side and head to foot with the next person like a vast carpet woven out of human bodies. On these voyages aside from the misery and crying he would hear a Humming and Chanting from the slaves. Just a simple five note chant. Rhythmic and full of emotion that seared its’ way into his soul never to leave him in his lifetime.
Eventually our Captain took on different life’s work of Preaching. I won’t go into this very deeply except to note the significant accomplishments of this man’s life in writing hymns. One Hymn written was “Amazing Grace” set to the melody that was driven into his soul by those men and women he delivered into slavery. I’m searching for words here that will resonate what the emotions were as the slaves hummed or chanted this Melody that our Captain felt as he penned words “once I was lost but now I am found” A state of despair, chanting and humming this five note melody to give their souls hope that their future will be better. When we hear this same melody with the words penned by a Slave Ship Captain, our minds and hearts stir with I would like to believe the same emotions as those slaves stuffed in those horrible wretched vessels. There is a better day coming and we will sing and rejoice again. When you go to a library and look up the Hymn “Amazing Grace” , you will see our Slave Ship Captain, John Newton as the author of the text. However you will also see the Author of the Melody as “Unknown“ The history does not warrant with certainty about the Unknown being an African chant but it is known that John Newton more than once talked of it.
Now what is this “Only on the Black Keys” stuff? The Melody that the slaves hummed was in what Musicians know as a “Pentatonic Scale“. Five notes per octave played only on the Black Keys. The African culture of the slaves had no knowledge of Music and the written form of it, yet their songs and chants were very much in line with all of Europe and the white culture. The Negro slaves in American continued to express their Spiritual life in songs we call “Negro Spirituals“, which again are in the “Pentatonic Scale” or “Only on the Black Keys“.
I just love to learn about History. The more I understand it, the more I see us as a people and not as individuals. Our Culture is a melding of many, ( e pluribus unum) and now when I hear or sing “Amazing Grace” I see the suffering of Slaves and the Fear of “Captain John Newton” enriching my life through their lives.
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Nelson,
Your posts are always filled with interesting nuggets! I’ve learned several things from you this morning…Thank you!
To your continued success,
Robin
Robin van der Merwe´s last [type] ..Enjoy The Climb
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 7:39 am
Robin, I am delighted to have been able to serve you some nuggets. Aren’t you glad they weren’t “Chicken McNuggets” Thanks for dropping in. Your are a true friend. Thanks.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“Only on the Black Keys”
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Nelson,
So much wonderful information that I never knew before! How amazing to understand what brought this all about. I appreciate you for sharing this nugget with us.
Have a great camping trip. Good day to you sir!
Val
Val Wilcox´s last [type] ..Empower Your Dream Life
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 7:36 am
SIR!!! Come on Val, quit being so formal. I’m just an old man who enjoys the comments from the pretty ladies I’ve come to know through TSA. Just kidding, you are the best of the best and I am better for having you as a friend.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“Only on the Black Keys”
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Nelson – This story is so incredible and your video was just as good. Hey – I know you are going to be “unplugged” for most of the week but consider taking your camera so we can all enjoy a little bit of the great outdoors! Have an awesome vacation and a safe trip!
Glyna Humm´s last [type] ..Facebook Is Playing Hide & Go Seek With Your Friends
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 7:32 am
Glyna, I did do a short video but I’m not happy with it because you can hear my voice. I’ll put it on the shelf and post it sometime when I’m drunk. I wasn’t as unplugged as I wanted to be. BNI thing, but it was fun.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“Only on the Black Keys”
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Once again, a beautifully written piece. I appreciate you sharing the depth of this story ~ I know you tend to share from a place of humor and wit, but this is such an important story to pass along. I had no idea that this was the origins of Amazing Grace. Thank you, Nelson.
Enjoy your trip and the beauty all around you!
Beth Allen´s last [type] ..The 5 P’s of Powerful Marketing
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 7:29 am
Beth life is a mixture isn’t it. Humor and Tragedy need to be displayed so we can grasp the full meaning life. You nailed it with “but this is such an important story to pass along.” So much of what we are is a reflection of where we came from. I did enjoy the time away and the beauty was enhanced by having my wife by my side. (She sometimes reads the comments. You understand, right.”
Nelson´s last [type] ..“Only on the Black Keys”
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Hi Nelson! I always love reading your posts. You have such an engaging writing style and I always learn something new. Thank you!
Angela´s last [type] ..10 Ways to Find the Motivation to Exercise
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 7:22 am
Angela, you are an Angel for commenting so graciously. We all are in a learning mode if we allow it. Stop by any time, the coffee is always on.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“Only on the Black Keys”
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Hi Nelson,
What a great post! That such a great hymn would come out of such a travesty is quite indicative of how life works, isn’t it? If we’ll let it, great things can come out of the adversity we experience. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story.
Debbie Stevens´s last [type] ..Action- Fun and Adventure
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 7:20 am
Debbie, our behavior is rooted in our experiences. We choose the path and the response which is the window to our character. You have touched on a deep subject that multitudes miss. Commenting like you do tells me you are a special person and I am grateful to have you for a friend.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“Only on the Black Keys”
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Hi Nelson,
YOu are rather raw…each to his own….I have known the song “Amazing Grace” but never knew the story….it is about strength…
Rebecca Russell´s last [type] ..TIPS TO WRITING A GOOD BLOG POST!
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 7:14 am
Rebecca, not sure how to take your comment. “rather raw” Do you mean “rather old” or “rather abrasive” Both of which I am. Your comments are most welcome though even if my “senility” prevents me from understanding them.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“Only on the Black Keys”
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Hi Nelson,
Well, based on what you said in your video, you are on the road on a camping adventure as I type these words on the black keys only of my laptop. I wonder if there is any connection here between the music of the black piano keys and the music of the black laptop keys?
Anyway, as usual, your post is a great story that inspires me and makes me think. Loved seeing you fixing the sink! Handy work is noble.
Mary Lou
Mary Lou Kayser´s last [type] ..Are You Investing in The Hottest Commodity Right Now
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 7:10 am
Mary, Mary, quite contrary. I always look forward to your comments. Black Laptop Keys? Are they dirty, or am I behind the times technologically speaking. Thanks my Lady, you always brighten my day.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“Only on the Black Keys”
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Hi Nelson,
I hope you’re having a wonderful vacation camping in the mountains of Colorado. Sounds fabulous! Be safe!
Your story is very interesting. I had no idea about what is a favorite song of mine and I very much enjoyed reading about it.
Thanks for sharing!
Deb Augur´s last [type] ..The 7 Link Challenge
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 7:06 am
I did and I’m pooped. Glad to be back. Deb your are a welcome visitor to my place. Thanks for the “Pick me Up” comments.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“Only on the Black Keys”
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Hi Nelson,
Wow, I didn’t know that! I will never listen to that song again without thinking about who wrote it and what he must have been feeling.
Thank you so much,
Emma
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 7:04 am
I felt the same way the day I discovered the History behind it. Emma are a sensitive perceptive lady who will go far with your career. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“Only on the Black Keys”
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Hi Nelson,
well written article.
Amazing how out of hard times comes the most amazing art and music.
It is like the perl in the oyster that develops from the grit.
Cheers
Yorinda
Yorinda´s last [type] ..Joy is the Goal
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 7:01 am
Yorinda, tough times make for great progress. I appreciate you and you willingness to grace my Blog with your valuable comments.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“Only on the Black Keys”
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Hi Nelson, I hope your camping trip was good. Only the Black Keys; that is very symbolic. Thanks for sharing this with us. I don’t know anything about music so this is very interesting.
Nicole Rushin´s last [type] ..Stretching and Leaping to Reach Your Goals
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 6:59 am
It was and I’m glad to be back in harness again. Thanks for commenting Nicole, you are warm light I enjoy seeing.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“Only on the Black Keys”
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Fascinating stuff! I enjoyed the way you told the story.
History certainly does have all the guidance and markers we need to achieve success. As long as we can focus on the lessons learned the sky is the limit!
Thanks for sharing.
Have a great day!
Joe Malinowski´s last [type] ..The Jonny Carson Method
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 6:57 am
Yes it is Joe. We are only limited by our learned experiences. Bad can be good if we want it to be.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“Only on the Black Keys”
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Hi Nelson, thanks for sharing. The Pentatonic Scale was very interesting information and I found it a fun read. Keep them coming. Have a great time on your trip!
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 6:55 am
Before writing this article I couldn’t tell the difference between the Pentatonic Scale and a Bushel of Grapes. But I found great symbolic value in the Scale and the songs written by the Black culture.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“Only on the Black Keys”
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Thank you Nelson, this was a fascinating story! I too love history, and enjoy weaving it into our present. I grew up in not only a church going family, but a very musical family, so this post was VERY meaningful to me.
All the best to you and thank you again for sharing!
Lorri Ratzlaff´s last [type] ..Is The World of Online and Network Marketing Discriminatory
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 6:00 am
I’m not musical at all. However I love music and the true history behind it. Many of our great songs are the reflection on some tragedy or event in a persons life. Lorri I am thankful for friends like you who grace my Blog and comment.
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I never knew the history behind the beautiful hymm, Amazing Grace. Now, when I hear it or sing it, I will always remember the story of it’s origin. We can take a lot away from your post. For me, it is a message of remembering that we are all different. We should respect one another. Be slow to criticize and quick to praise!
Eddie Espiritu´s last [type] ..Lessons from the Tire Store
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 5:57 am
I’m with you Eddie. I will never be the same because of the History behind those words. Your presence to my Blog is most welcome. Thanks for being you.
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Great article Nelson! You definitely have a unique writing style and a way with words! History is very important and those who ignore it are doomed to repeat it.
I look forward to learning more from you!
In Success,
Howie Perks
Howie Perks´s last [type] ..Is Your MLM Business Stuck in the Garage
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 5:54 am
And repeat it I have. Howie, you speak volumes with that comment. Thanks for you timely words.
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Hello Nelson,
This is my first time to your phenomenal blog. I am so moved by your post. It moved me deeply. In the face of great pain and misery, the human spirit finds a way to connect to our higher source.
Amazing Grace has been a constant in my life during times of turmoil or overcoming great challenges. We are a tapestry all of us woven together. Every action, every contribution is felt by us all.
We are one living the illusion as many separate souls. Truly we are one. I look forward to following your future posts.
Faith
Faith Barnard´s last [type] ..How to Make Linkedin Work for You in Your Online Marketing
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Nelson Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Well said Faith. We are a Tapestry. I think Francis Schaefer’s wife thirty years ago wrote a wonderful book called Tapestry. I have been blessed to have been around some of the most giving and loving people who have no idea what Racism is. Thanks for you meaningful comments Faith.
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Nelson,
Such a beautiful story on the spirit and soul of human beings. Even amidst the horrible conditions they were experiencing, those people rose above and looked at it as the possibility for a better future.
We are all one… our lives are all tied into history and what those before us have created.
Not only that, but there is so much to learn from what others have experienced. We can learn so much from those people on the boat. The “trials and tribulations” we all experience can also be looked at as possibilities for something better… or something we can use to create a better life for ourselves.
Thanks so much for this uplifting article and the message of hope and connection.
~ Pat and Lorna
http://TheCoolestCouple.com
Pat and Lorna Shanks´s last [type] ..Stranded and Alone Whos Your Support Group
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Nelson Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
You two look much better now I got you out of the trash folder. Yes history is all around us if we only would take the time to see it. Your comment mean a lot to me Thanks
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Thanks for reminding me of that story. I had read it years ago but had forgotten.
Thanks again,
Michael
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 5:53 am
Me to Michael and too my shame. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. It mean a lot to an old man I know.
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Hey Nelson,
WOW! Love this story. In fact we have been studying it at our church for the last five weeks as we dig into the depths of God’s AMAZING GRACE in our lives. You have such a great way to share stories that is so amazing. What a blessing it is to stop by and read your blog. I feel like I am right there in it. Great to see you on video! Thanks so much for all that you share.
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed
PS – How was your speaking workshop with Les Brown? Send me a message. Would love to hear about it.
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 5:51 am
Isn’t GOD grace amazing. I first learned of this story many many moon ago, but did not appropriate it to my life until I matured. So much in our lives is the result of others and History. It truly is an Amazing world we live in and we owe it all to HIS Amazing Grace.
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Nelson, you have an amazing way of telling this amazing story. I imagine you telling the story around a campfire. Campfires have warmed my toes in the past… today you’ve warmed my heart. Amazing what five black keys and a good storm and a good storyteller can accomplish. Thank you!
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Nelson Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Monika, you might be giving me more credit than deserved, Around the camp fire I might be found stuffing my mouth with toasted marshmallows and s’mores. But thanks for the really nice kudos. I appreciate you and your taking the time to visit my Blog.
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My dear Nelson, I look forward to your awesome stories. I cannot tell you how much I have learned from you. This valuable piece of history I will pass on.
Thank you so much for giving us such inspiration. Please keep it up.
God Bless You,
Donna
Donna Merrill´s last [type] ..Reciprocity- The Backbone Of Social Marketing
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Nelson Reply:
August 7th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Your are the highlight of my day Donna. You give so much to the tribe with your wonderful suppport and encouragement. Thanks old girl,(Ooops sorry), your lady for commenting on my blog.
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