The enduring power of a single song across continents and time—and the ironic story of how that song was written by a man who traded in slaves—is examined in this program with Bill Moyers. One of the most popular and enduring hymns in the English language, its lyrics were written in the 18th century by the captain of an English slave ship. In the 19th century, the song successfully crossed the Atlantic, as Southern masters and slaves adopted the hymn as their own. Since then, "Amazing Grace" has been adapted by scores of performers for a plethora of styles, from country music to gospel to folk. The program features some of these performers as they express what the hymn means to them. Judy Collins sings in St. Paul’s Chapel at Columbia University, the very place where she taped her hit recording of the song. She talks about how this song, above all others, carried her through the depths of her alcoholism. Jessye Norman sends "Amazing Grace" soaring across the footlights at New York City’s Manhattan Center stage. While in Nashville, Johnny Cash visits a prison and talks about the hymn’s impact on prisoners. The folk singer, Jean Ritchie, shares a reunion of her extended family in Kentucky where everyone rejoices together. "Amazing Grace" is also a featured song in the repertory of the Boys Choir of Harlem, which is featured performing the hymn in both New York and Japan. (80 minutes)