Uses When the Saints Go Marching In

the forerunners of christ saints , martyrs, painting fra angelico, 15th century.

the origins of song unclear. apparently evolved in 1900s number of titled gospel songs including when saints marching in (1896) , when saints march in crowning (1908). first known recorded version in 1923 paramount jubilee singers on paramount 12073. although title given on label when saints come marching in , group sings modern lyrics beginning when saints go marching in . no author shown on label. several other gospel versions recorded in 1920s, varying titles using same lyrics, including versions 4 harmony kings (1924), elkins-payne jubilee singers (1924), wheat street female quartet (1925), bo weavil jackson (1926), deaconess alexander (1926), rev. e. d. campbell (1927), robert hicks (aka barbecue bob, 1927), blind willie davis (1928), , pace jubilee singers (1928).

the earliest versions slow , stately, time passed recordings became more rhythmic, including distinctly tempo version sanctified singers on british parlophone in 1931. though song had folk roots, number of composers claimed copyright in in later years, including luther g. presley , virgil oliver stamps, r. e. winsett, , frank , jim mccravy. although song still heard slow spiritual number, since mid-20th century has been more commonly performed hot number. tune particularly associated city of new orleans. jazz standard, has been recorded great many jazz , pop artists.

both vocal , instrumental renditions of song abound. louis armstrong 1 of first make tune nationally known pop tune in 1930s. armstrong wrote sister told him thought secular performance style of traditional church tune inappropriate , irreligious. armstrong in new orleans tradition of turning church numbers brass band , dance.