Joseph Brackett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Brackett
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Elisha Brackett |
| Born | May 6, 1797 Cumberland, Massachusetts |
| Died | July 4, 1882 New Gloucester, Maine |
Joseph Brackett Jr. (born May 6, 1797 – died July 4, 1882) was an American songwriter. He was also a leader, called an elder, in a religious group known as the Shakers. The most famous song written by Brackett is "Simple Gifts". This song is still widely performed and used in many ways today.
Who Was Joseph Brackett?
Joseph Brackett was born in Cumberland, Massachusetts, on May 6, 1797. His first name was Elisha. When he was 10 years old, his family joined the Shakers. The Shakers were a special religious community. At this time, his name was changed to Joseph, just like his father's.
The Brackett family's land in Gorham, Maine became a Shaker community for a while. Later, in 1819, the whole group moved to Poland Hill, Maine. Joseph Brackett continued to grow in the Shaker community. He eventually became the main leader of the Shaker society in Maine. He passed away on July 4, 1882. This happened at the Shaker community of Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester, Maine.
The Song "Simple Gifts"
Joseph Brackett is mainly known today for writing the famous Shaker song "Simple Gifts". This song has become a beloved tune all over the world. People enjoy both his original version and many new adaptations.
There are two stories about who wrote the song among the Shakers. One story says the song came from a "spirit" at Canterbury, New Hampshire. This would mean a Shaker received it as a "gift song" from the spirit world. However, most people believe Joseph Brackett wrote the song.
He wrote "Simple Gifts" in 1848. The song was not well-known outside of Shaker communities for a long time. Then, in 1944, a famous composer named Aaron Copland used the melody. He put it in his well-known music piece called Appalachian Spring. The tune is also widely known through the song "Lord of the Dance". Sydney Carter wrote the lyrics for this song in 1963.
An online group called the "Tune Lovers Society" celebrates Joseph Brackett's birthday. They do this on May 6 each year. They work to keep old American tunes alive.
