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.

The Rev. John Newton's hymn "Amazing Grace" has become a national hymn, uniting people of all walks of life and reflecting ...

(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. BALABAN: James ...