In the 80s I met some Cherokee natives (not fullblood) who told me about their history. Ever since I have been wondering about this question: Is the tune of Amazing Grace originally Native American and composed for flute? Because what my Cherokee friends told me was that the militz that forced Natives on the Trail of tears had stolen this tune as they heard it played on flute and then combined it with their poem/hymn called Amazing Grace, which at that time had no tune. If this is true it should be known to the world so that people all over might know the origin of this worldwide common song- to honor the Cherokees and all Native Americans. To me it makes sense that this is true. The tune Circle of light is very similar, so to me this makes sense.

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To date, there is no evidence that the Christian hymn, "Amazing Grace," traces its melodic structure to Cherokee Nation flute songs. The lyrics of "Amazing Grace" were composed by Anglican clergyman, John Newton in 1779. However, it was not until 1847 that the "New Britain" tune that is associated with "Amazing Grace" became popularized by William Walker, a composer.

The Trail of Tears occurred between 1831-1850. So there is a slight possibility that William Walker was given the tune from someone who witnessed or took part in the Trail of Tears forced migration. In fact, William Walker was from Spartanburg, South Carolina, which before the Trail of Tears was part of the Cherokee Nation territory. The removal of the Cherokee in Spartanburg, South Carolina began in 1835. That same year, Walker published a tune book titled, The Southern Harmony. The revised 1847 version of The Southern Harmony was where the modern "Amazing Grace" tune first appeared.

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