A Glimpse of Heaven

"My wife Susan is a beautiful and kind woman who’s been dealt a difficult hand in life. When she was in her thirties, she suffered a massive and debilitating stroke, which left her permanently disabled. She has faced her challenges with courage and grace, but the journey has not always been an easy one.

A few years ago, I played Susan a video of my favorite guitar player, Tommy Emmanuel, playing Over the Rainbow and she immediately started to cry. “What’s wrong, honey?” I asked. “It’s just so beautiful,” she said. “I believe this is what the music will sound like in heaven and it gives me such joy to know that despite everything that’s been taken from me in this life, I still have the ability to appreciate music like this. In many ways, I feel it’s God saying: I’m here with you, Susan; there’s a better world just around the corner. Just hang on.”

Not long after that, my friend Bill Danylik and I had the incredible good fortune to spend the better part of a day with Tommy Emmanuel. For those of you who don’t know, Tommy is one of the greatest guitarists in the world and an amazing entertainer. More importantly, he’s a genuine, down to earth guy who genuinely loves music and his fans.

Over lunch, I told Tommy the story of how his music had deeply affected Susan and he was visibly moved. I said, “Although I’m sure people tell you every day that you’re the greatest guitarist in the world, I’m the only one telling you this: you gave a very special woman a glimpse of heaven. Thank you.” Right before the show, he asked me if I had any requests. I said please play Over the Rainbow in honor of Susan. He hugged me and said, “Please send my love to your bride.”

This song is a tribute to Sue and the promises of God to make all things new again, but it’s also a tribute to Tommy Emmanuel and the people like him, who bring joy into the world through music. We’ll never fully know in this world the effect that music has on others, but every now and then, I believe God gives us all a glimpse. A Glimpse of Heaven tries to capture both the beauty of heaven, as well as the poignancy of having to wait for it. It’s a guitar duet featuring me in the left channel and Bill Danylik in the right. The guitars on this track were both built by James Goodall, once of the best luthiers alive today."

Guitar - Sean Coleman

Guitar - Bill Danylik