Adolphus Hailstork

Walker's collection was a bestseller in the 19th century, and two centuries later, Amazing Grace has become one of the best-known and best-loved hymns of our time.

[Amazing Grace] In 2011, a new orchestral fanfare based on Amazing Grace by the African American composer Adolphus Hailstork was published and subsequently recorded by the Virginia Symphony, appropriately enough, since Hailstork has served as professor of music and composer in residence at both Virginia's Norfolk State and Old Dominion universities, and in 1992 was named a Cultural Laureate of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In addition to this fanfare, Hailstork's works range from choral and chamber pieces to symphonies and operas.

Composer's Datebook is produced by APM, American Public Media, in collaboration with the American Composers Forum, reminding you that all music was once new.