What Are They Doing in Heaven?

Last updated

"What Are They Doing in Heaven Today"
Phillips-WhatAreTheyDoing.jpg
Single by Washington Phillips
RecordedDallas, Texas, December 5, 1928
Genre Gospel blues
Length3:15
Label Columbia
Songwriter(s) Charles Albert Tindley
Producer(s) Frank B. Walker [1]

"What Are They Doing in Heaven?" is a Christian hymn written in 1901 by American Methodist minister Charles Albert Tindley. As of 2015, it has become popular enough to have been included in 16 hymnals. [2] [3]

The song has sometimes been recorded under the titles "What Are They Doing?" and "What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?". The question mark is often omitted. The song may also be known by its first line, "I am thinking of friends whom I used to know".

The song consists of four verses and a refrain, each four lines long. In both the verses and the refrain, the first three lines rhyme, and the fourth is "What are they doing now?" or some small variant of that. The author reflects on friends who were burdened in life by care, or by disease, or by poverty; and wonders what they might now be doing in Heaven, without giving his answer. [2]

The first known recording of the song is the 1928 one by Washington Phillips (18801954; vocals and zither), in gospel blues style. [4] Phillips' recording was used in the soundtrack of the 2005 film Elizabethtown . The song has since been recorded many times in a wide variety of styles, including gospel and bluegrass; sometimes attributed to Phillips or to "anonymous" or "traditional"[ clarify ].

Recordings

Related Research Articles

Gospel music is a traditional genre of Christian music, and a cornerstone of Christian media. The creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of gospel music varies according to culture and social context. Gospel music is composed and performed for many purposes. Including aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, and as an entertainment product for the marketplace. Gospel music is characterized by dominant vocals and strong use of harmony with Christian lyrics. Gospel music can be traced to the early 17th century.

"How High the Moon" is a jazz standard with lyrics by Nancy Hamilton and music by Morgan Lewis. It was first featured in the 1940 Broadway revue Two for the Show, where it was sung by Alfred Drake and Frances Comstock. In Two for the Show, this was a rare serious moment in an otherwise humorous revue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Washington Phillips</span> American musician

George Washington "Wash" Phillips was an American gospel and gospel blues singer and instrumentalist. The exact nature of the instrument or instruments he played is uncertain, being identified only as "novelty accompaniment" on the labels of the 78 rpm records released during his lifetime.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charles Albert Tindley</span> American minister and composer (1851-1933)

Charles Albert Tindley was an American Methodist minister and gospel music composer. His composition "I'll Overcome Someday" is credited as the basis for the U.S. Civil Rights anthem "We Shall Overcome". Another of his hymns is "Take Your Burden to the Lord and Leave It There" (1916), as well as "What Are They Doing in Heaven?" (1901).

This is a list of notable events in country music that took place in 1948.

This is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1943.

"Imagination" is a popular song with music written by Jimmy Van Heusen and the lyrics by Johnny Burke. The song was first published in 1940. The two best-selling versions were recorded by the orchestras of Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey in 1940.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Always Chasing Rainbows</span> Vaudeville song composed by Harry Carroll

"I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" is a popular Vaudeville song. The music is credited to Harry Carroll, but the melody is adapted from Fantaisie-Impromptu by Frédéric Chopin. The lyrics were written by Joseph McCarthy, and the song was published in 1917. It was introduced in the Broadway show Oh, Look! which opened in March 1918. The song was sung in the show by the Dolly Sisters. Judy Garland sang it in the 1941 film Ziegfeld Girl. It was subsequently sung by Jack Oakie in the 1944 film The Merry Monahans and was again featured in the 1945 film The Dolly Sisters, where it was sung by John Payne. It was also included for part of the run of the 1973 revival of Irene. Additionally, the pre-chorus would not have been included until later covers in the 1940s, where the song would gain it's iconic libretti.

<i>Stand by Me</i> (Ernest Tubb album) 1965 studio album by Ernest Tubb

Stand by Me is a gospel album by American country singer Ernest Tubb, released in 1966.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Wonderful Time Up There</span> 1958 single by Pat Boone

The song known as both "Gospel Boogie" and "A Wonderful Time Up There" was written by Lee Roy Abernathy, and first recorded by him in 1947 under the former name. This release, for the label White Church Record, credits the performance with variant spelling to "Leroy Abernathy Homeland Harmony Quartet".

<i>A Cappella</i> (Gaither Vocal Band album) 2003 studio album by Gaither Vocal Band

A Cappella is an album from Contemporary Christian, Southern Gospel group Gaither Vocal Band. The album was released on September 30, 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stand by Me (Charles Albert Tindley song)</span> 1905 gospel song

"Stand by Me" should not be confused with "Stand by Me Father", by Sam Cooke and J. W. Alexander.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bye and Bye We're Going to See the King</span>

"Bye and Bye We're (or, I'm) Going to See the King" is a Christian song from the African-American musical tradition. It is known by a variety of titles, including "I Wouldn't Mind Dying (If Dying Was All)" and "A Mother's Last Word to Her Daughter". It was recorded seven times before 1930, using the preceding titles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leave It There</span>

"Leave It There" is a Christian hymn composed in 1916 by African-American Methodist minister Charles A. Tindley. It has become popular enough to have been included in 12 hymnals; and even to be attributed to "traditional" or "anonymous". The title is sometimes given as "Take Your Burden to the Lord and Leave It There" or as "Take Your Burden to the Lord" or as "Take Your Burden", words taken from the song's refrain; the plurals "burdens" and "them" are sometimes used, and "God" instead of "the Lord":

"Denomination Blues" is a gospel blues song composed by Washington Phillips (1880–1954), and recorded by him in 1927.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mother's Last Word to Her Son</span> Single by Washington Phillips

"Mother's Last Word to Her Son" is a gospel blues song written by Washington Phillips (1880–1954) and recorded by him in 1927.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Am Born to Preach the Gospel</span> Single by Washington Phillips

"I Am Born to Preach the Gospel" is a gospel song recorded in 1928 by Washington Phillips in gospel blues style. His recording is included in the soundtrack of the 2009 movie My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done?.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I've Got the Key to the Kingdom</span> Single by Washington Phillips

"I've Got the Key to the Kingdom" is a gospel blues song recorded in 1929 by Washington Phillips.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Had a Good Father and Mother</span> Single by Washington Phillips

"I Had a Good Father and Mother" is a 1929 gospel blues song by Washington Phillips. The song has sometimes been covered as "I Had a Good Mother and Father"; or with, in both cases, "Real" inserted before "Good".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pace Jubilee Singers</span> Musical artist

The Pace Jubilee Singers were a gospel group founded by Charles Henry Pace in Chicago in 1925, and one of the first gospel groups to be recorded. They recorded more than 40 songs for Victor and for Brunswick Records in 1926–29, including spirituals arranged by Pace, and songs and hymns by Pace and Charles Albert Tindley and others. They performed in close harmony style, usually accompanied by piano or organ. Thomas A. Dorsey was briefly associated with them. In their later recordings, Hattie Parker is identified as soloist.

References

  1. Corcoran, Michael (December 29, 2002). "Exhuming the Legend of Washington Phillips". Austin Statesman . Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  2. 1 2 "What Are They Doing in Heaven?". hymnary.org. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  3. "Charles Albert Tindley 1851–1933". nethymnal.org. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  4. "Washington Phillips discography". wirz.de. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  5. George Washington Phillips: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  6. George Washington Phillips: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  7. Blind Washington Phillips: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  8. Mitchell's Christian Singers: What Are They Doing in Heaven? at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  9. "Perfect "Race" Series numerical listing". 78discography.com. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  10. "Banner 32500–33000: Numerical Listing". 78discography.com. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  11. "Conqueror records 8000–8500 numerical listing of issues (1932–1935)". 78discography.com. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  12. "Melotone Numerical Listing 13000–13500". 78discography.com. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  13. Golden Gate Quartet: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  14. Golden Gate Quartet: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  15. "BLUEBIRD numerical listings 7500–8000". 78discography.com. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  16. "Montgomery Ward 7500–8000 numerical listing". 78discography.com. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  17. The Southernaires: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  18. "The Southernaires 1938–1941". Document Records. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  19. Boyer, Horace Clarence (February 15, 2000). The Golden Age of Gospel (Music in American Life). University of Illinois Press. p. 173. ISBN   978-0252068775.
  20. The Lilly Brothers: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  21. The Lilly Brothers: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  22. The Southern Harmonizers: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley / Traditional at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  23. "Specialty 78rpm Numerical Listings". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  24. The Mello-Tones: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  25. Mello-Tones, The What Are They Doing In Heaven / When The Pearly Gates Unfold at Discogs
  26. Silvertone Singers: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  27. The Dixie Hummingbirds: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  28. "45 Discography for Peacock Records". globaldogproductions.info. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  29. Harry & Jeanie West: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  30. Harry & Jeanie West: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  31. ""What Are They Doing in Heaven Today" – Harry and Jeanie West". Smithsonian Folkways. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  32. "Favorite Gospel Songs – Harry and Jeanie West". Smithsonian Folkways. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  33. Sister Rosetta Tharpe: What Are They Doing in Heaven at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  34. Sister Rosetta Tharpe: What Are They Doing in Heaven?, Composed by Traditional at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  35. Southern Mission Choir: What Are They Doing in Heaven, Composed by Traditional at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  36. Gospel Tabernacle Choir / The Gospel Tabernacle Choir and Players / Tabernacle Choir / Sister Rosetta Tharpe: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  37. Sister Rosetta Tharpe Gospels In Rhythm at Discogs
  38. Famous Fairfield Four: What Are They Doing in Heaven at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  39. The Fairfield Four: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  40. The Fairfield Four / The Soul Stirrers: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  41. Unterberger, Richie. The Fairfield Four: The Bells Are Tolling at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  42. The Staple Singers: What Are They Doing (In Heaven Today), Composed by Traditional at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  43. The Staple Singers: This Little Light at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  44. Staple Singers, The This Little Light at Discogs
  45. Marion Williams: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  46. Downtown Sister New Heaven, The  Gospels And Spirituals at Discogs
  47. Slim & the Supreme Angels: What Are They Doing in Heaven? at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  48. Howard "Slim" Hunt / Slim & the Supreme Angels: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  49. Slim & The Supreme Angels Glory To His Name at Discogs
  50. Blue Horizon / Vassar Clements / Tom Hanway: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  51. Blue Horizon / Tom Hanway: Tom Hanway & Blue Horizon at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  52. Doug Burns / Paul Hostetter / Randy Masters / Martin Simpson / Joe Weed: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  53. Gioffre, Daniel. Martin Simpson: A Closer Walk With Thee at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  54. The Pfister Sisters: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today, Composed by Traditional at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  55. The Pfister Sisters: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Traditional at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  56. The Pfister Sisters: The Pfister Sisters at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  57. What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  58. Michelle Lanchester / Bernice Johnson Reagon / Yesmeen: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  59. Roberts, John Storm. Various Artists: Wade in the Water: African American Sacred Music Traditions at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  60. Ankeny, Jason. Various Artists: Wade in the Water, Vol. 3: African American Gospel - The Pioneering Composers at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  61. Little Jimmy Scott: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  62. Little Jimmy Scott: What Are They Doing In Heaven Today, Composed by C. E. Tindley at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  63. Little Jimmy Scott: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  64. Nathan, Dave. Little Jimmy Scott: Heaven at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  65. Little Jimmy Scott: Heaven at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  66. Last Forever: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Casey Jones at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  67. Sonya Cohen: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Dick Connette at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  68. Last Forever: Trainfare Home at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  69. Sonya Cohen: Last Forever: Trainfare Home at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  70. Margaret Allison / Angelic Gospel Singers: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  71. Margaret Allison: Home in the Rock at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  72. Jorma Kaukonen: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley / Traditional at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  73. Jorma Kaukonen: What Are They Doing In Heaven Today at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  74. Bill Gaither / Gloria Gaither / Babbie Mason: What Are They Doing in Heaven at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  75. Bill Gaither / Babbie Mason: What Are They Doing in Heaven at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  76. Bill Gaither: Heaven at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  77. Bill Gaither: Heaven/Going Home at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  78. The Immortal Lee County Killers: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  79. Duffy, John. The Immortal Lee County Killers: Love Is a Charm of Powerful Trouble at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  80. Mike "Sport" Murphy / Sport Murphy: What Are They Doing in Heaven, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  81. Taylor, Ken. Mike "Sport" Murphy: Uncle at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  82. Riley Baugus: What Are They Doing in Heaven at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  83. Lankford, Ronnie D. Jr.. Riley Baugus: Long Steel Rail at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  84. Joanne Blum: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  85. Joanne Blum: Even More Love at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  86. Cabin Fever NW: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  87. Cabin Fever NW: The Door Is Always Open at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  88. Jessy Dixon: What Are They Doing in Heaven? at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  89. Jessy Dixon: Get Away Jordan at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  90. Vince Gill: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Traditional at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  91. Various Artists: Voice of the Spirit, Gospel of the South at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  92. The Be Good Tanyas: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today, Composed by Traditional at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  93. Boxcar Preachers: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  94. Boxcar Preachers: Auto-Body Experience at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  95. [ https://www.allmusic.com/song/what-are-they-doing-in-heaven-today-mt0016575943 Judy Cook: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today] at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  96. Judy Cook: If You Sing Songs ... at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  97. The Great Gospel Crew: What Are They Doing in Heaven at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  98. The Great Gospel Crew: The Greatest Gospel Music at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  99. "The Greatest Gospel Music – The Great Gospel Crew". amazon.co.uk. ASIN   B00AV7TF3K . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  100. John Reischman / John Reischman & The Jaybirds: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  101. Ruhlmann, William. John Reischman: Stellar Jays at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  102. Murry Hammond: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  103. Murry Hammond: I Don't Know Where I'm Going But I'm on My Way at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  104. Jim Byrnes: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by George Washington Phillips at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  105. Jim Byrnes: My Walking Stick at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  106. The Habit: What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?, Composed by George Washington Phillips at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  107. The Habit: The Habit at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  108. Buddy Greene: What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  109. Buddy Greene: A Few More Years at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  110. "Few More Years: Buddy Greene". amazon.com. ASIN   B003JMP2O0 . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  111. The Bright Wings Chorus: What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  112. The Bright Wings Chorus: Here Below at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  113. "Here Below: Bright Wings Chorus". amazon.co.uk. ASIN   B0065NPKRY . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  114. Dead Rock West: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today, Composed by Traditional at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  115. Allen, James. Dead Rock West: Bright Morning Stars at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  116. Wild Bill Jones: What They Are Doing in Heaven Today, Composed by Washington Phillips at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  117. Wild Bill Jones: The Quiet American at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  118. "Wild Bill Jones: The Quiet American". amazon.com. ASIN   B00ANTO3MO . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  119. Marcy Marxer: What Are They Doing In Heaven Today? at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  120. Marcy Marxer: Things Are Coming My Way at AllMusic . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  121. "Things Are Coming My Way: Marcy Marxer". amazon.co.uk. ASIN   B00BP3WI2E . Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  122. Mogwai: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  123. Mogwai. "Mogwai : Music :: Les Revenants". www.mogwai.co.uk. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
  124. Mavis Staples: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  125. Mavis Staples / Jeff Tweedy: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  126. Colin Stetson: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Colin Stetson at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  127. Thomas, Fred. Colin Stetson: New History Warfare, Vol. 3: To See More Light at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  128. Béla Fleck / Abigail Washburn: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Traditional at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  129. Jurek, Thom. Béla Fleck / Abigail Washburn: Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  130. That Was Then: The Bickett Gallery Residency, North Carolina (Live), September 22, 2023, retrieved January 12, 2024