Like Cords Around My Heart | A Sacred Harp Memoir | Buell Cobb

A Journey into the Heart of Sacred Harp Singing

In the mid-1960s, Buell Cobb discovered Sacred Harp singing—a tradition of powerful, a cappella hymn singing that had been quietly thriving in rural Southern communities for generations. What began as a chance encounter soon became a lifelong passion. Like Cords Around My Heart is Cobb’s deeply personal and warmly told memoir, chronicling his journey into the world of Sacred Harp, from his first encounters with its high-decibel, soul-stirring harmonies to his deep friendships with the singers who shaped this enduring tradition.

With a keen eye for detail and a storyteller’s gift, Cobb offers an affectionate, sharply observed account of Sacred Harp’s people and places. He introduces us to unforgettable characters—stalwart singers, shape-note legends, and ordinary individuals whose devotion to this music has kept it alive for centuries. His reflections capture both the vibrancy of this uniquely American tradition and its surprising resurgence in recent decades, as Sacred Harp has expanded from its Southern stronghold to a global community of singers.

Praise for Like Cords Around My Heart

"A beautifully written, affectionate tribute to the people and music of Sacred Harp… Cobb’s deep love for this tradition shines on every page."
—Goodreads Review

"A lyrical and evocative memoir that captures the soul of Sacred Harp singing and the warmth of its community."
—Sacred Harp Review

"Cobb’s writing is as rich and resonant as the music he describes. A must-read for anyone who has ever been moved by the raw power of Sacred Harp singing."
—Folk Traditions Journal

About the Author

Buell Cobb is one of the most respected voices in the Sacred Harp community and the author of The Sacred Harp: A Tradition and Its Music, a landmark study of shape-note singing. A longtime resident of Birmingham, Alabama, he has conducted Sacred Harp workshops across the U.S. and remains an active participant in the tradition he so vividly brings to life in this memoir.

A Story of Music, Tradition, and Community

Whether you’re a longtime Sacred Harp singer, a newcomer to shape-note music, or simply a lover of rich storytelling, Like Cords Around My Heart offers an unforgettable glimpse into a world where music, history, and human connection intertwine.