Discipleship Ministries | History of Hymns: "Pass It On"
Kaiser provided the Background to "Pass It On," one of his Most Famous Songs: "In 1969, Ralph Carmichael and I collaborated on a musical, Tell It Like It Is. It was Written to get Young People involved in the Church.
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While known primarily for his youth musicals, Mr. Kaiser is an accomplished pianist and has written music for a variety of performing media in varied styles. He has composed more than sixty hymn texts and tunes, the most famous of which are “O how he loves you and me” (1975), and “Pass It On.”
In correspondence with the author, Mr. Kaiser provided the background to "Pass It On," one of his most famous songs: "In 1969, Ralph Carmichael and I collaborated on a musical, Tell It Like It Is. It was written to get young people involved in the Church. After reviewing what we had written, we decided there needed to be a closer, a modern 'Just As I Am' [a hymn by Charlotte Elliott written in 1835, and a favorite of Evangelicals for altar calls].
"On a Sunday night I was sitting in our den by the fireplace where there were remnants of a fire, and it occurred to me that it only takes a spark to get a fire going . . . and the rest came very quickly. My wife suggested that I should say something about shouting it from mountain tops, and that ended up in the third verse. It only took about 20 minutes to write the lyrics. Afterwards my wife and I went for a walk, letting the song ruminate in our minds."
This YouTube site offers the opportunity to hear Kurt Kaiser play "Pass It On" in a Joy of Music program hosted by organist Diane Bish. His presentation begins at 4 minutes into the recording. It reflects the artistry of his classical training as well as his improvisational skills. Following the song, the composer offers a witness to his faith. A second YouTube site presents an informal reflection by the composer at Laity Lodge in the Texas Hill Country.
This song reflects the power of a simple idea set to a singable tune. Such songs take on a life that the composer never considered. Mr. Kaiser notes, "I am always amazed how the Lord can take a little song and use it to reach so many people. It has been sung at countless weddings and funerals, at ordination services, by the Sea of Galilee, in Rhodesia, on the aircraft carrier Enterprise, and lots of camps."
Pass It On | Acapella Arrangement
https://youtube.com/watch?v=4H....GhZlBBMho&si=y2W
"That's how it is with God's love, once you've experienced it, you spread His love to everyone; you want to pass it on."
Music by Kurt Kaiser
Acapella arrangement by Anndel Lee Jollie…
