Amish Culture

New From Ben & Rose: “City Of Gold”

New From Ben & Rose: “City Of Gold”

Ben takes the lead on this bouncy rendition of another gospel classic – “City of Gold”. Like the last song we looked at, this one appeared on the duo’s album, and now gets a video. There was something a bit odd here though – this one was released at the same time as “Lily of the Valley”. I wondered why, as Ben and Rose typically…

New From Ben & Rose: “Lily Of The Valley”

New From Ben & Rose: “Lily Of The Valley”

Ben & Rose are back with their rendition of “Lily of the Valley”, an old gospel classic. This is another track from their album, which they are just releasing a video for now. And it’s another which dates back a good ways – written by Charles William Fry in England in  1881, for the Salvation Army. Here’s more on the interesting back story of the…

Rumspringa Reality: Five Amish Youth “Spill The Beans”

Rumspringa Reality: Five Amish Youth “Spill The Beans”

And by “spill the beans”, that doesn’t exactly mean they share all the juicy details people might imagine. It’s more about sharing the reality that not all Amish youth (or even most of them) have the wild growing-up period that has taken hold in the popular imagination, thanks to TV and other media. Laura Pitcher of the UK’s Dazed magazine interviewed five Amish youth in…

Ben & Rose: We Learn More Of Their Story

Ben & Rose: We Learn More Of Their Story

One year after Ben & Rose were first covered in the publication, Saving Country Music has returned to the musical Amish couple, sharing some behind-the-scenes about their lives and background. I know a lot of people have had some questions about that – including some of the Amish folks in Lancaster County who I talked with recently. I heard a few things here and there,…

This Video of Amish Children Singing Christmas Carols Will Warm Your Heart

This Video of Amish Children Singing Christmas Carols Will Warm Your Heart

Here’s a great video of a group of Amish people – mostly children – stopping by to sing Christmas carols at an English friend’s home. This was filmed in Holmes County, Ohio. The friend is P. Thomas, who you may remember from other singing videos we’ve shared here. The singing true to form is lovely and they have quite a good-sized group here. I had…

Ben & Rose Do A Christmas Classic: “Away In A Manger”

Ben & Rose Do A Christmas Classic: “Away In A Manger”

Christmas is right around the corner and Ben & Rose are back with their take on a Christmas classic: “Away In A Manger”. It’s a lovely soft rendition with Jordan Davis and Mark Davis helping out on drums and bass, and producer Conrad Fisher adding guitar. I particularly like the addition of the fiddle by Jason Barie which gives the tune a rich warm lift….

An Amish Thanksgiving (Part 3): Thankful Hands

An Amish Thanksgiving (Part 3): Thankful Hands

This is the final part of a three-part Thanksgiving series exploring how the Amish express gratitude—not through words, but through action. Author and Amish taxi driver Haley Straw shares a story which revealed to her how her Amish friends understand – and demonstrate – gratitude. And if you missed it, check out part 1 (“How The Amish Say Thank You”) here and part 2 (“The…

New From Third Fret Harmony: “Why Me Lord”

New From Third Fret Harmony: “Why Me Lord”

Here’s a nice new song by Third Fret Harmony, comprised of brother and sister duo Mike and Marty Fisher. This is a tune originally by Kris Kristofferson – another religious song, sung in a slow country style. Wikipedia has this interesting background note in its description of the song: According to country music historian Bill Malone, Kristofferson wrote the song during an emotionally low period…

An Amish Thanksgiving (Part 2): The Amish Table of Thanksgiving

An Amish Thanksgiving (Part 2): The Amish Table of Thanksgiving

This is the second of a three-part Thanksgiving series exploring how the Amish express gratitude—not through words, but through action. Author and Amish taxi driver Haley Straw shares an unexpected Amish Thanksgiving experience – and what stayed with her after it was over. And if you missed it, check out part 1 (“How The Amish Say Thank You”) here. A few years ago, my young…

Amish Girl Dies After Being Run Over By Wagon Loaded With Corn (Wisconsin)

Amish Girl Dies After Being Run Over By Wagon Loaded With Corn (Wisconsin)

Another tragic farm accident has claimed a young Amish person’s life. A 15-year-old girl in Vernon County, Wisconsin has died after being run over by a wagon loaded with corn. From the Vernon Reporter: WESTBY, Wis. — A 15-year-old Amish girl died Friday, Nov. 14 after being run over by a wagon in a farm-related accident in Vernon County, authorities said. Sheriff Roy Torgerson reported…