“Angel Band” is an American gospel song reflecting on death and asking an angel to “bear me away on your snow white wings to my immortal home.” The lyrics were originally titled “My Latest Sun Is Sinking Fast” and written by Jefferson Hascall around 1860. The tune now universally associated with these words was composed by William Batchelder Bradbury and published in his “Golden Shower of S.S. Melodies” in 1862, originally titled “The Land of Beulah.” The Stanley Brothers’ 1958 version became particularly famous and was featured on the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack, introducing the song to a new generation. The song has been recorded by many artists including Emmylou Harris and the Monkees, becoming a staple of both folk and gospel traditions.
Key: G major
Lyrics by: Traditional
Type: Song
Tradition: Gospel
Year Written: 1862