The Hillbilly Thomists, a band composed of Dominican friars, exemplifies the joy and fulfillment that comes from prioritizing God in life. Their music, influenced by bluegrass and Americana, radiates a love of God, one another, and music, reflecting the real presence they adore.
Whenever the poignant melody of Harry Chapin's "Mr. Tanner" fills the air, I find it difficult to resist the emotional pull it evokes. Martin Tanner, the story's protagonist, is a launderer and singer with an otherworldly voice who loses his passion for singing after relentless criticism from professional audiences. In contrast to Mr. Tanner's broken spirit, I experienced a surge of joyous tears upon witnessing the live performance of The Hillbilly Thomists for the first time.
This extraordinary bluegrass band, named after Southern Gothic writer Flannery O'Connor's description of her creative worldview, consists entirely of friars from the Order of Preachers. For 50 weeks of the year, they reside in their humble priestly vocations, serving as university chaplains, parochial vicars, and bestselling authors on theology. The remaining two weeks are dedicated to their harmonious tours, making them comparable to the fictional Mr. Tanner.
The Hillbilly Thomists: Putting God First
Music serves as a secondary passion for these lyrical Dominicans, just as dry cleaning was for Mr. Tanner. They stumbled upon each other during their journeys to the priesthood because, like Mr. Tanner, they all "sang from their heart and soul, not knowing how well they sang, it just made them whole." Their music emanates from a deep-seated need, a soundtrack for their life's journey of faith.
The Hillbilly Thomists differ from Mr. Tanner in one crucial aspect: critical praise. From the outset, their music has been met with accolades. With characteristic modesty, Father Simon Teller, Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry at Providence College, humorously attributes their success to the need to pay for health insurance.
The Hillbilly Thomists: Putting God First
To their astonishment, their self-titled debut album soared to #3 on Billboard's Bluegrass Albums chart, prompting a call from Billboard requesting a band photo. Father Teller's dry response to his bandmates was, "we'd better get a camera." History repeated itself this summer with the release of their fourth album, "Marigold," debuting at #2.
Their eclectic sound is a blend of complexity and charm, with lyrics rich in poetry and Scripture. However, it is their live performances that truly embody joy incarnate. The Hillbilly Thomists' love of God, one another, and music is unmistakable, reflecting the real presence they so devoutly worship. By transforming Americana into sacred sound, they captivate hearts, eliciting a sense of gratitude doubled by wonder, as G.K. Chesterton aptly defined it.
The Hillbilly Thomists: Putting God First
The band's incredible success cannot be attributed solely to divine providence, yet their music exudes an inexplicably compelling happiness. I believe the answer lies in a remarkably simple, yet profoundly rare, choice they have made: prioritizing God above all else.
By rejecting the false dichotomy of "music or ministry," The Hillbilly Thomists chose to serve God as Dominican priests first and foremost. In doing so, they discovered their musical brotherhood and forged a band that could never have existed if they had prioritized music itself.
British writer C.S. Lewis eloquently articulated this phenomenon in a letter to Dom Bede Griffiths in 1951, stating, "put first things first and we get second things thrown in; put second things first and we lose both first and second things." Lewis reiterated this idea in his masterpiece "Mere Christianity," emphasizing the universality of this principle: "Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in: aim at earth and you will get neither."
Putting first things first is easier said than done. I grapple with it daily, even in the midst of prayer, often seeking to impose my will rather than humbly accepting God's. That is the essence of putting second things first, of aiming for earth. It took a rollicking band of bluegrass-loving friars to melodically remind me of my folly and their wisdom.
The Hillbilly Thomists exude triumphant joy during their performances because they have heeded the counsel of Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." They reap the rewards promised to those who prioritize God. If they can achieve it, so can we all.
Returning to Harry Chapin's "Mr. Tanner," it is truly special when life imitates art, sublime when life mimics great art, and transcendent when life surpasses great art. Listening to The Hillbilly Thomists is like witnessing the path that Mr. Tanner might have taken. Their exquisite music heals not only the band members themselves but everyone who hears it. Like these holy rock & rollers, all we need to do is put first things first.
