On Saturday nights, the family would gather together and watch movies on the only television. (Yes, I’m dating myself here.) One night Elmer Gantry, about a wayward conman taking advantage of a simple religious town, televised. The incomparable Burt Lancaster played the conman. Towards the beginning of the movie, he sang “I’m On My Way to Canaan’s Land.” Our pal Wikipedia doesn’t have an entry for it but suffice it to say, it began as a an old negro spiritual. It was sung frequently during the Civil Rights marches of the 1960’s. I recall it’s upbeat swingy rhythm that made it a joyful song to hear. Lancaster starts singing at about 0:48.
Enjoy.
Ah, Burt! I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Burt Lancaster. (Saw The Train on latenight TV a couple months ago). He was certainly one of the special ones. Thanks!