July 17 — Isaac Watts, the “Father of English Hymnody,” was born on this date back in 1674. Over 300 years old and he’s still going strong, having just collaborated with Sojourn on Over The Grave: The Hymns Of Isaac Watts, Volume One.
We’ve learned a great deal about the Bible, theology and songwriting by studying his hymns and metrical psalms and using them as a framework for our music. We’ve always tried to be clear that Over The Grave (and volume two, which is still in development) is not our attempt to improve upon Watts. We’re simply doing with his music the same thing he did with the psalms — adapting them for our place and time. It’s an honor to have such rich source material.
Speaking for all the Sojourn songwriters and worship leaders, “Happy birthday, Dr. Watts.”
Oh, if only he’d been born 1 day sooner! It would be quite wonderful to share my own b-day with Watts.