In 1864, during some of The Civil War’s bloodiest fighting, poet Robert Lowry penned words of optimistic direction to a nation divided. Put to a simple melody, the song eventually became known by its first line.
Buddy Greene
Did you know that someone has performed The William Tell Overture at Carnegie Hall…on the harmonica? That “someone” was Buddy Greene! A songwriter, singer, guitar player, (and harmonica virtuoso) Buddy grew up in Macon, Georgia. The southern upbringing influenced much of his writing and many of his recordings with a country, bluegrass, and gospel flavor.
As a songwriter, his published works cross many genres. Perhaps most famously, Buddy co-wrote the Christmas classic Mary, Did You Know? with Mark Lowry. That one song has now been recorded by more than 500 artists! Buddy is also the creator of the thoughtful Recovering Pharisee and the biting, tongue-in-cheek masterpiece Jesus Has Left The Building.
Curiously, despite having written and published hundreds of songs–many of them recognizable–Buddy chose the work of other songwriters to perform for you. His humility and gentle spirit are a well known mark of his personality. And while songwriting is an obvious talent, Buddy Greene’s smooth baritone is the favorite voice of many performers whose own voices are better known by the public
Hard Times Come Again No More
With Gordon Mote on keyboard and The Settles Connection providing background vocals, the classic is performed here by Buddy Greene.