Amazing Grace original singer?

Its a really old hym (18th century). I think the first popular recording was done by a folk singer in the early 70’s, either Judy Collins or Joan Baez.

“Amazing Grace” is a well-known Christian hymn. The words were written late in 1772 by Englishman John Newton. They first appeared in print in Newton’s Olney Hymns (1779), which he worked on with William Cowper.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound That sav’d a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears reliev’d; How precious did that grace appear, The hour I first believ’d!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis’d good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease; I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun forbear to shine; But God, who call’d me here below, Will be forever mine.

John New­ton, Ol­ney Hymns (Lon­don: W. Ol­i­ver, 1779)