Latter-day Hymn Stories

We sat down with Angie Killian, songwriter of "Anytime, Anywhere," to hear the story of how her little song was unexpectedly selected for our new hymnal. Loveingly nicknamed "the nursery version of My Own Sacred Grove," she shares how her popular song about Joseph Smith's First Vision and earlier works paved the way for this bite-sized hymn, which adapts the message of praying and receiving answers to some of our youngest singers. An affiliation for the math side of music, a strong testimony ...

Join our conversation with Melanie Hoffman, lyricist and songwriter of "Gethsemane," to hear the faith-filled events and personal backstory that led to the creation of a song loved by children (and grown-ups!) worldwide. Hear how her life took a turn when she married her future arranging partner, Roger Hoffman, and how a walk into the creative wilderness (led only by the spirit), an unexpected opportunity to become a songwriter, a personal journey through the Holy Land and the Garden itself, ...

Join our conversation with Annette Dickman, songwriter of "Bread of Life, Living Water," to hear how this 2011 church music submission became a sacrament hymn in the new hymnal by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A personal desire to understand the sacrament better and two years of consistent, dedicated work produced a unique and uplifting hymn featuring these titles of the Savior. Hear also of a couple of Annette's sacred experiences with the sacrament and how she overcame de...

Join our conversation with Lane Johnson, songwriter of "When the Savior Comes Again," to hear the inspiring story behind the song selected from 17,000 submissions to be included in the new hymnal by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Years of music study, a prophetic dream, and a lifelong prayer to use his musical talents to build the kingdom, yielded in a beautiful children's song about the Second Coming. Hear also how a poignant tragedy forever altered the composition of Lane'...