Three Tune Tuesday - Family

It's time again for Three Tune Tuesday, that day of the week where members of the Hive community shares three songs of their liking with the rest of the community.

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I take a slow, relaxing approach to Three Tune Tuesday: I like to share pre-1924 78rpm songs from my collection, and record them while playing on an appropriate time-period windup phonograph. I encourage you to take a few moments and slow down with me. Settle down, close your eyes, and take yourself back.. way back.. in time, to a distant uncle's parlour in the early 1920's. There are comfortable seats, pleasant conversation, and old music.

I've had a surprisingly difficult time dealing with the loss of my father. Truth be told, I wasn't expecting this at all. He and I spent a good deal of time estranged from each other and we rarely saw eye to eye. He was only a minor presence in my childhood and what I remember most is what I feel, which was the cold war between him and my mom with myself and my sister as the collateral.

Nonetheless, I'm definitely affected by his passing. I am taking some solace in knowing that, although he was non verbal at the end, he and I had been sharing emails, and mine was the last one to reach him, and I know he read it; he was not waiting to hear from me.

That was the inspiration for this week's Three Tune Tuesday.

Keep on the Sunny Side

“Keep on the Sunny Side” is a timeless song of optimism and resilience, first published in 1899 with lyrics by Ada Blenkhorn and music by J. Howard Entwisle. Originally written as a gospel tune, its uplifting message encourages people to focus on the brighter aspects of life, even in the face of adversity. The lyrics emphasize the power of a positive outlook, suggesting that no matter how dark life’s storms may seem, a hopeful heart can always find the light.

The song gained widespread popularity in the early 20th century, particularly after The Carter Family recorded it in 1928, cementing its place in American folk and country music history. Its simple yet powerful melody, combined with heartfelt lyrics, made it a favorite in churches, homes, and community gatherings. Over the years, “Keep on the Sunny Side” has been embraced as an anthem of encouragement, proving that even in difficult times, hope and perseverance can lead the way forward.

This version is performed by Byron Harlan and recorded in 1906.

Keep on the Sunny Side

Shall we Gather at the River?

“Shall We Gather at the River?” is a beloved 19th-century hymn written in 1864 by Robert Lowry, a Baptist minister and composer. Inspired by a vision of the River of Life described in the Book of Revelation, the song expresses a deep sense of hope and spiritual longing. Its lyrics speak of a divine reunion by the “shining river,” symbolizing the promise of eternal peace and the joy of meeting loved ones in the afterlife. During the hardships of the Civil War era, this hymn provided solace to those mourning loss, offering the comforting idea that earthly separations are only temporary.

This version was recorded in 1924 with vocalists Homer Rodeheaver and Mrs William Asher.