Joseph Brackett is the composer of the song Simple Gift. He wrote and composed it in 1848 in Maine. Brackett was born in 1797 and died at the age of 85 on the 4th of July 1882. He spent his entire life in Maine where he was actively involved in writing, composing songs, and in religious activities of the Shakers community. His father supported the nuclear unit of Shakers by providing settlement for members of the sect.
His active involvement in the sect led him to be appointed an elder in the community. Brackett is widely known for his songs, particularly Simple Gifts, which are classified as dance songs, work songs, or hymns. The song Simple Gifts was only known within the Shakers community until 1944 when it was first performed at a ballet concert.
The melody was used in Appalachian Springs, a ballet performance by Martha Graham. In 1950, the song was used for the second time in an orchestra performance. Since 1950, the song has been used many times by different composers. They have either rearranged or adapted the song in different ways.
Brackett did not favor specific lyricists, song writers, or composers. He was only affiliated to the Shakers sect. It was through his strong involvement with the sect that he got inspired to write and compose his songs. He wrote dancing songs, the most famous being Simple Gifts.
He is known today because of the song which has been adapted several times. Both the adapted and original versions have an international audience. The most common adapted version is Lord of the Dance, a 1963 publication.
Brackett was active in a social and religious movement. He joined the Shakers sect at the age of 10 with his entire family. His father provided temporary settlement for the first ever nuclear group of the sect. After the death of his father, Brackett continued to rise in ranks, gaining the position of an elder.
He was appointed to lead members of the sect in Maine. By the time he became an elder the nuclear unit of the community had already expanded and occupied other areas within the south.
The song, Simple Gifts, was originally written as a dance song for the Shakers community. The song was performed during special religious events and celebrations. Members of the community used to compose songs and dances for their devotion services. According to the community, one could have several spiritual gifts. Music composition was considered among the spiritual gifts.
They composed and recorded musical inspirations as an exercise of their spiritual gifts. The composers and writers were mainly scribes and elders in the community. They did not have any formal training in music composition. However, they used a notation system called ‘letteral’ that used alphabetical letter with rhythmic notations. The dance songs were significant to the community because they formed part of their culture.
The song, Simple Gifts, has also formed part of popular culture today by being performed in movies, television series, and documentaries. An adopted version of the song was performed at the inauguration ceremony of President Obama in 2009.
Christian religious denominations have also adapted the tune into hymns sang during worship. The only difference is the name given to these hymns. However, the tune is the same. Essentially, the song has been part of larger musical performances.