Janis Kapp Perry

The power of her simple songs cannot be understated.  She doesn't pretend to be anything other than what she is...a humble writer of simple songs with a message that people remember. 

At our last women's gathering (Cleofon), Janis Kapp Perry was the speaker.  She came and shared the stories behind her songs and how she got her start.  She is a prolific composer and has written over 50 albums.  She has written some (most) of the most beloved of all LDS children's music.  Check out her web site to see ALL the music she has written in her life.

She told us the stories behind two of her songs.  One is called "The Sisters of Zion." She has taken the music to "As Sisters in Zion" and has made it into a song just for sister missionaries.  It is wonderful! 

She also told us about the experience she had writing the music to the a hymn written by President Gordon B. Hinckley called "What is This Thing Called Death?" that was sung my the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at his funeral.  What a sweet experience to write such a simple melody to such powerful words.  Here is a link to Janis' own words of how she came to write the music for the song and an actual copy of the song written by President Hinckley.

What Is This Thing That Men Call Death?

What is this thing that men call death?
This quiet passing in the night?
‘Tis not the end but genesis
Of better worlds and greater light

O God, touch Thou my aching heart
And calm my troubled, haunting fears
Let hope and faith, transcendent, pure
Give strength and peace beyond my tears.

There is no death, but only change
With recompense for vict’ry won
The gift of Him who loved all men
The Son of God, the Holy One

Since I have served with the Young Women of the church for so many years, "I Walk By Faith" has been one of my favorite songs that Janis wrote.  I hope that it will be sung at my funeral!  It summarizes what I believe.