NRR Project: The Deep River Boys sing 'They Look Like Men of War' (1941)

 

NRR Project: ‘They Look Like Men of War’’

Composed by John A. Granade and Hattie Hill

Performed by the Deep River Boys

Recorded 1941

2:09

No notes. You have to read the essay on it by Sandra Jean Graham; it is perfect!

I have little to add. The effect of this powerful a capella hyman, sung by soldiers going into battle, is inspiring. That it survived into the 20^th century was due to a man who heard it in the field, Samuel Chapman Armstrong.

The song itself comes from the early 19^th century. The conflation of readiness for battle and belief in Jesus Christ is a striking one, lending the flavor of crusade to its message. It is moving, both in context and in and of itself, its beautiful harmonies undulating.

The Deep River Boys developed as the Hampton Institute Junior Quartet, and grew into their new name. They moved away from purely performing spirituals and hyms, and started covering conventional material as well. They persisted, primarily in Europe, for many decades.

The National Recording Registry Project tracks one writer’s expedition through all the recordings in the National Recording Registry in chronological order. Next time: Walking the Floor Over You.