As we look at another New Year’s Day, it’s a good time to reflect on a song that unites rather than divides us: the Rev. John Newton’s hymn “Amazing Grace.” The hymn first appeared in ...

Last week, as I’m sure you know by now, President Barack Obama broke into song at the funeral of Clementa Pinckney, killed in the attack on a Charleston, S.C., church. It was Amazing Grace, a ...

President Barack Obama sings ‘Amazing Grace’ during services honoring the life of Rev. Clementa Pinckney in Charleston, S.C., on June 26, 2015.

President Obama sings “Amazing Grace” during services honoring the life of the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, at the College of Charleston TD Arena in Charleston, S.C., June 26, 2015.

He penned the famous words of "Amazing Grace" for a sermon for his 1773 New Year's service at the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. But the tune wouldn't be written for another half-century.

The song "Amazing Grace" was first performed on New Year's Day, 1773, and has gone through many changes over the years.

As we look at another New Year’s Day, it’s a good time to reflect on a song that unites rather than divides us: the Rev. John Newton’s hymn “Amazing Grace.” The hymn first appeared in ...