Mary Ellen Carter 3-Part - Digital Sheet Music

Chorus Choir, SAB Chorus - Level 2 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1847932

Composed by Stanley Rogers. Arranged by Marjorie Halloran. This edition: pdf, streaming. 20th Century, Folk, Historic, Singer/Songwriter. 27 pages. Marjorie Halloran Music #1407587. Published by Marjorie Halloran Music (A0.1847932).

The Mary Ellen Carter was not a real boat, but I’ve loved the story since I was young. According to Stan Rogers, he was inspired to write “The Mary Ellen Carter” by listening to the Grand Old Opry on the radio as a kid, and wanted to write an inspirational song that was “nonreligious, nondenominational, and nonfattening”. The message at the end of “The Mary Ellen Carter” is so uplifting and powerful that it is credited with saving a life: Chief Mate Bob Cusick survived the sinking of the Marine Electric in 1983 by singing the final chorus over and over as he clung to a partially deflated lifeboat, awaiting rescue. Rogers’ tune is so enjoyable to sing that I had each section take a turn with the melody while the other ones harmonize. The piano accompaniment is modeled after Rogers’ guitar playing, in a folk style. Sadly, the world lost Rogers at the young age of 33, but the legacy of “The Mary Ellen Carter” has inspired millions of fans around the world to “rise again” when faced with challenges.