The Gospel Truth

Not one of these people is me.

I don’t play any instruments (except my vocal cords).  I took piano lessons from second through fifth grade, hated it, and quit as soon as I was old enough to develop a somewhat structured argument about why I would never need to know how to play the piano.

Oops.

So here I am, a singer with no way to write songs.  I’ve been living in Coverville for four years now, depending on established singers and bands for material to mimic.  I’m fortunate enough to have been invited to sing at Magnolia Presbyterian Church once each year, during the summer.  Each August since my high school graduation I’ve prepared, performed and recorded gospel favorites from your grandparents’ childhood years.  Luckily, one of those songs is 128 years old, and thus falls under public domain.  It’s called “Softly and Tenderly.”  I performed it during the summer of 2007.  You can hear me sing it by clicking the link below.

Softly and Tenderly by Will L. Thompson, Performed by Emily Henke August 2007

Mad props to Beth Jaureguy for the decidedly spiritual piano performance.

This year at the little church on the hill we picked things up a bit (I think they cleaned, too, but I’m referring to tempo).  A week ago I sang “Where No One Stands Alone,” a more recent chart-topper that was made popular by the likes of Elvis Presley, Loretta Lynn, and (more recently) the Peasall Sisters (of O Brother, Where Art Thou? fame).  I’ll be recording it on Wednesday.  Let me know (leave a comment or send an e-mail) if you’d like me to send it your way when it’s ready.

On Wednesday I’ll also be recording “Break Down Here,” by Julie Roberts, “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” by Bonnie Raitt, and “Stay with You,” by John Legend.  It’s a good mix of styles and ranges that I’m excited to have on hand to play for people.  My mom (Cindy) is my chief accompaniest on this hot new record, and my sister (Allison) makes a cameo on “Break Down Here,” a song she insisted required two guitars.  She was right.

I’ll post more about the recording process after it’s over.  Until then, let me know if you’d like to hear any of my covers.

-Em

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