Donny Hathaway, Magnificent Sanctuary Band | Sunday Refresh

On the 15^th edition of Sunday Refresh, we’re uplifted by Donny Hathaway performing, “Magnificent Sanctuary Band.”

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elcome to Sunday Refresh , a column that seeks to highlight inspirational songs to uplift the spirit.  These tracks that appear on Sunday Refresh may or may not be faith-based or religious; the goal is for them to make you feel better – refreshed.  So, for the 15^th edition of Sunday Refresh, we highlight “Magnificent Sanctuary Band” as performed by Donny Hathaway.

“The Son of Man speaks of Revelation / Oh, he’s reaching, reaching out his hand…” Donny Hathaway, sadly, only lived to be 33 years old.  Despite such a short life, Hathaway left an indelible musical legacy.  Had he lived, given the sheer breadth of his collection, there’s no telling how many more classics he would’ve unveiled.  Notably, spirituality plays a gargantuan role in Mr. Hathaway’s music.  Originally, I came into this Sunday Refresh seeking to highlight “Put Your Hand in the Hand” from Donny Hathaway (1971).  However, I opted for another gem from that album instead, “Magnificent Sanctuary Band,” written by Dorsey Burnette. 

“Magnificent Sanctuary Band” provides that perfect blend of gospel and R&B/soul.  This is one of the funkiest records you’ll ever hear.  The groove – infectious to the nth degree! Additionally, “Magnificent Sanctuary Band” has a positive, soul-stirring message, hailing directly from the black church.  “From the book I read, not one but all must follow him,” Hathaway sings on the first verse, continuing, “Come and join the magnificent sanctuary band.” Amen! Donny doesn’t stop there, singing on the second verse, “Seems like temptation rules over the land / You know, those people should just remember his commandments / Come and join the magnificent sanctuary band.” As you’d expect, the centerpiece is the chorus, where Hathaway encourages all to believe, embrace, and embody Christ:

“Singing in the band, talking to the man
Bringing in the sheep all over the world as fast as he can
... Dropping everything you’re doing and join the sanctuary band.”

Believer or not, you can’t hear “Magnificent Sanctuary Band” without being inspired or touched in some regard.  Hathaway is chocked-full of spirit, singing his face off.  His ministry is felt for sure, forty years after the song first arrived. 

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Donny Hathaway • Donny Hathaway • Atlantic • 1971

Donny Hathaway, “Magnificent Sanctuary Band”: Sunday Refresh No. 15 (2021) [: Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, Zac Durant on Unsplash]

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