As we look at another New Year’s Day, it’s a good time to reflect on a song that unites rather than divides us: the Rev. John ...

As we look at another New Year’s Day, it’s a good time to reflect on a song that unites rather than divides us: the Rev. John Newton ... story on the history of “Amazing Grace” reveals ...

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "AMAZING GRACE") PAUL ROBESON ... SAMANTHA BALABAN, BYLINE: This history begins with an unlikely author. JAMES WALVIN: John Newton was a strange mix of a person.

RASCOE: "Amazing Grace." The song was first performed on New Year's Day 1773, over 250 years ago. NPR's Samantha Balaban is our guide through its extraordinary history. SAMANTHA BALABAN, BYLINE: This ...