John Merritt: b. 1942, d. 2012

From his obituary: John Merritt (1942–2012) spent many years dedicated to the tradition of Sacred Harp singing. His songs were published in the 1992 B.F. White Sacred Harp Cooper Edition (Little Pilgrim) and in the 2010 Christian Harmony songbook (Higher Ground), and he attended many all-day singings all over the country in addition to hosting singings and singing schools in Mississippi. John appreciated the simple things in life and was always happy to share his knowledge of the history of Sacred Harp, and he would always throw in a favorite recipe or two for good measure.

Many of John's friends recall his love of Sacred Harp music and his sense of humor. One friend recalled his reference to a musical note as a "blue note because 'you hold it 'til the trebles turn blue.'"

Special mentions at singings

• 2021: Newton County, Mississippi
• 2017: Capitol City
• 2014: John Newton Merritt Memorial Singing Convention
• 2013: Alabama State Convention; Georgia State Convention
• 2012: Old County Line; Rotunda Singing; John Newton Merritt Memorial Singing Convention; Alabama State Convention; Ila New Year's Eve
• 2011: Nan Herring; Holt Collier/Mississippi Bear Hunt Convention; Georgia State Convention

Roles undertaken (and minuted)

• 2010: Deason Memorial: prayer; Holt Collier/Mississippi Bear Hunt Convention: chair
• 2009: Holt Collier/Mississippi Bear Hunt Convention: chair
• 2008: Holt Collier/Mississippi Bear Hunt Convention: chair
• 2007: Old County Line: prayer; Deason Memorial: prayer; Holt Collier/Mississippi Bear Hunt Memorial Singing: chair; Alabama State Convention: prayer
• 2004: Harrods Creek: memorial

Tunes led