What Are They Doing in Heaven?

"What Are They Doing in Heaven Today"
Single by Washington Phillips
Recorded	Dallas, Texas, December 5, 1928
Genre	Gospel blues
Length	3:15
Label	Columbia
Songwriter(s)	Charles Albert Tindley
Producer(s)	Frank B. Walker[1]

"What Are They Doing in Heaven?" is a Christian hymn written in 1901 by American Methodist minister Charles Albert Tindley. As of 2015^[update], it has become popular enough to have been included in 16 hymnals.[2][3]

The song has sometimes been recorded under the titles "What Are They Doing?" and "What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?". The question mark is often omitted. The song may also be known by its first line, "I am thinking of friends whom I used to know".

The song consists of four verses and a refrain, each four lines long. In both the verses and the refrain, the first three lines rhyme, and the fourth is "What are they doing now?" or some small variant of that. The author reflects on friends who were burdened in life by care, or by disease, or by poverty; and wonders what they might now be doing in Heaven, without giving his answer.[2]

The first known recording of the song is the 1928 one by Washington Phillips (1880–1954; vocals and zither), in gospel blues style.[4] Phillips' recording was used in the soundtrack of the 2005 film Elizabethtown. The song has since been recorded many times in a wide variety of styles, including gospel and bluegrass; sometimes attributed to Phillips or to "anonymous" or "traditional"^[clarify].

Recordings

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

• 1928 – Washington Phillips,[5][6][7] 78rpm single Columbia 14404-D
• 1934 – Mitchell's Christian Singers,[8] 78rpm singles Perfect 326,[9] Banner 33433,[10] Conqueror 8431,[11] and Melotone 13400 [12]
• 1938 – Golden Gate Quartet,[13][14] 78rpm singles Bluebird 7994 [15] and Montgomery 7866 [16]
• c. 1938 – The Southernaires,[17] radio broadcast [18]
• 1946 – Pilgrim Travelers[19]^[citation needed]
• 1948 – The Lilly Brothers,[20][21] 78rpm single Page 505^[citation needed]
• 1948 – The Southern Harmonizers,[22] 78 rpm single Specialty 301 [23]
• 1950 – The Mello-Tones,[24] 78rpm single Columbia 39051 [25]
• 1950-53^[clarification needed] – Silvertone Singers[26]^[citation needed]
• 1952 – The Dixie Hummingbirds,[27] 45rpm single Peacock Records 5-1594 [28]
• 1957 – Harry and Jeanie West [29][30][31] on the album Favorite Gospel Songs [32]
• 1960 – Sister Rosetta Tharpe[33][34][35][36] on the album Gospels in Rhythm [37]
• 1962 – The Fairfield Four[38][39][40] on the album The Bells Are Tolling [41]
• 1964 – The Staple Singers[42] on the album This Little Light [43][44]
• 1966–92^[clarification needed] – Marion Williams[45]^[citation needed]
• 1971 – The Downtown Sister New Heaven on the album Gospels And Spirituals [46]
• 1983 – Slim & the Supreme Angels[47][48] on the album Glory to His Name [49]
• 1992 – Tom Hanway[50] on the album Tom Hanway and Blue Horizon [51]
• 1994 – Martin Simpson [52] on the album A Closer Walk with Thee [53]
• 1995 – The Pfister Sisters [54][55] on the album The Pfister Sisters [56]
• 1996 – Michelle Lanchester, Bernice Johnson Reagon and Yasmeen [57][58] on the album Wade in the Water: African American Sacred Music Traditions [59][60]
• 1996 – Little Jimmy Scott[61][62][63] on the album Heaven [64][65]
• 2000 – Last Forever [66][67] on the album Trainfare Home [68][69]
• 2000 – Margaret Allison and the Angelic Gospel Singers[70] on the album Home in the Rock [71]
• 2002 – Jorma Kaukonen[72][73] on the album Blue Country Heart
• 2003 – Bill Gaither feat. Gloria Gaither and Babbie Mason[74][75] on the album Heaven [76][77]
• 2003 – The Immortal Lee County Killers[78] on the album Love Is a Charm of Powerful Trouble [79]
• 2003 – Mike "Sport" Murphy [80] on the album Uncle [81]
• 2006 – Riley Baugus[82] on the album Long Steel Rail [83]
• 2006 – Joanne Blum [84] on the album Even More Love [85]
• 2006 – Cabin Fever NW [86] on the album The Door Is Always Open [87]
• 2006 – Jessy Dixon[88] on the album Get Away Jordan [89]
• 2006 – Vince Gill[90] on the album Voice of the Spirit, Gospel of the South [91]
• 2006 – The Be Good Tanyas[92] on the album Hello Love
• 2006 – Boxcar Preachers [93] on the album Auto-Body Experience [94]
• 2006 – Judy Cook [95] on the album If You Sing Songs ... [96]
• 2006 – The Great Gospel Crew [97] on the album The Greatest Gospel Music [98][99]
• 2007 – John Reischman and The Jaybirds [100] on the album Stellar Jays [101]
• 2008 – Murry Hammond[102] on the album I Don't Know Where I'm Going but I'm on My Way [103]
• 2009 – Jim Byrnes[104] on the album My Walking Stick [105]
• 2009 – The Habit [106] on the album The Habit [107]
• 2010 – Buddy Greene[108] on the album A Few More Years [109][110]
• 2011 – The Bright Wings Chorus [111] on the album Here Below [112][113]
• 2011 – Dead Rock West[114] on the album Bright Morning Stars [115]
• 2013 – The Quiet American [116] on the album Wild Bill Jones [117][118]
• 2013 – Marcy Marxer[119] on the album Things Are Coming My Way [120][121]
• 2013 – Mogwai[122] on the album Les Revenants[123]
• 2013 – Mavis Staples[124][125] on the album One True Vine
• 2013 – Colin Stetson feat. Justin Vernon[126] on the album New History Warfare, Vol. 3: To See More Light [127]
• 2014 – Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn[128] on the album Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn [129]
• 2016 – Consuelo's Revenge on the album Mercy
• 2023 – DeYarmond Edison on the album That Was Then: The Bickett Gallery Residency, North Carolina (Live)[130]

References

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2. "What Are They Doing in Heaven?". hymnary.org. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
3. "Charles Albert Tindley 1851–1933". nethymnal.org. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
4. "Washington Phillips discography". wirz.de. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
5. George Washington Phillips: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
6. George Washington Phillips: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
7. Blind Washington Phillips: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
8. Mitchell's Christian Singers: What Are They Doing in Heaven? at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
9. "Perfect "Race" Series numerical listing". 78discography.com. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
10. "Banner 32500–33000: Numerical Listing". 78discography.com. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
11. "Conqueror records 8000–8500 numerical listing of issues (1932–1935)". 78discography.com. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
12. "Melotone Numerical Listing 13000–13500". 78discography.com. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
13. Golden Gate Quartet: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
14. Golden Gate Quartet: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
15. "BLUEBIRD numerical listings 7500–8000". 78discography.com. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
16. "Montgomery Ward 7500–8000 numerical listing". 78discography.com. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
17. The Southernaires: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
18. "The Southernaires 1938–1941". Document Records. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
19. Boyer, Horace Clarence (February 15, 2000). The Golden Age of Gospel (Music in American Life). University of Illinois Press. p. 173. ISBN 978-0252068775.
20. The Lilly Brothers: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
21. The Lilly Brothers: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
22. The Southern Harmonizers: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley / Traditional at AllMusic. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
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24. The Mello-Tones: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
25. Mello-Tones, The – What Are They Doing In Heaven / When The Pearly Gates Unfold at Discogs
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28. "45 Discography for Peacock Records". globaldogproductions.info. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
29. Harry & Jeanie West: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
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31. ""What Are They Doing in Heaven Today" – Harry and Jeanie West". Smithsonian Folkways. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
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33. Sister Rosetta Tharpe: What Are They Doing in Heaven at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
34. Sister Rosetta Tharpe: What Are They Doing in Heaven?, Composed by Traditional at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
35. Southern Mission Choir: What Are They Doing in Heaven, Composed by Traditional at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
36. Gospel Tabernacle Choir / The Gospel Tabernacle Choir and Players / Tabernacle Choir / Sister Rosetta Tharpe: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
37. Sister Rosetta Tharpe – Gospels In Rhythm at Discogs
38. Famous Fairfield Four: What Are They Doing in Heaven at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
39. The Fairfield Four: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
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41. Unterberger, Richie. The Fairfield Four: The Bells Are Tolling at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
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43. The Staple Singers: This Little Light at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
44. Staple Singers, The – This Little Light at Discogs
45. Marion Williams: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
46. Downtown Sister New Heaven, The  – Gospels And Spirituals at Discogs
47. Slim & the Supreme Angels: What Are They Doing in Heaven? at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
48. Howard "Slim" Hunt / Slim & the Supreme Angels: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
49. Slim & The Supreme Angels – Glory To His Name at Discogs
50. Blue Horizon / Vassar Clements / Tom Hanway: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
51. Blue Horizon / Tom Hanway: Tom Hanway & Blue Horizon at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
52. Doug Burns / Paul Hostetter / Randy Masters / Martin Simpson / Joe Weed: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
53. Gioffre, Daniel. Martin Simpson: A Closer Walk With Thee at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
54. The Pfister Sisters: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today, Composed by Traditional at AllMusic. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
55. The Pfister Sisters: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Traditional at AllMusic. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
56. The Pfister Sisters: The Pfister Sisters at AllMusic. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
57. What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
58. Michelle Lanchester / Bernice Johnson Reagon / Yesmeen: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
59. Roberts, John Storm. Various Artists: Wade in the Water: African American Sacred Music Traditions at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
60. Ankeny, Jason. Various Artists: Wade in the Water, Vol. 3: African American Gospel - The Pioneering Composers at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
61. Little Jimmy Scott: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
62. Little Jimmy Scott: What Are They Doing In Heaven Today, Composed by C. E. Tindley at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
63. Little Jimmy Scott: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
64. Nathan, Dave. Little Jimmy Scott: Heaven at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
65. Little Jimmy Scott: Heaven at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
66. Last Forever: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Casey Jones at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
67. Sonya Cohen: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Dick Connette at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
68. Last Forever: Trainfare Home at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
69. Sonya Cohen: Last Forever: Trainfare Home at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
70. Margaret Allison / Angelic Gospel Singers: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
71. Margaret Allison: Home in the Rock at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
72. Jorma Kaukonen: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley / Traditional at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
73. Jorma Kaukonen: What Are They Doing In Heaven Today at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
74. Bill Gaither / Gloria Gaither / Babbie Mason: What Are They Doing in Heaven at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
75. Bill Gaither / Babbie Mason: What Are They Doing in Heaven at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
76. Bill Gaither: Heaven at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
77. Bill Gaither: Heaven/Going Home at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
78. The Immortal Lee County Killers: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
79. Duffy, John. The Immortal Lee County Killers: Love Is a Charm of Powerful Trouble at AllMusic. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
80. Mike "Sport" Murphy / Sport Murphy: What Are They Doing in Heaven, Composed by Charles Albert Tindley at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
81. Taylor, Ken. Mike "Sport" Murphy: Uncle at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
82. Riley Baugus: What Are They Doing in Heaven at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
83. Lankford, Ronnie D. Jr.. Riley Baugus: Long Steel Rail at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
84. Joanne Blum: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
85. Joanne Blum: Even More Love at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
86. Cabin Fever NW: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
87. Cabin Fever NW: The Door Is Always Open at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
88. Jessy Dixon: What Are They Doing in Heaven? at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
89. Jessy Dixon: Get Away Jordan at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
90. Vince Gill: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by Traditional at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
91. Various Artists: Voice of the Spirit, Gospel of the South at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
92. The Be Good Tanyas: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today, Composed by Traditional at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
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102. Murry Hammond: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
103. Murry Hammond: I Don't Know Where I'm Going But I'm on My Way at AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
104. Jim Byrnes: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?, Composed by George Washington Phillips at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
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121. "Things Are Coming My Way: Marcy Marxer". amazon.co.uk. ASIN B00BP3WI2E. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
122. Mogwai: What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
123. Mogwai. "Mogwai : Music :: Les Revenants". www.mogwai.co.uk. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
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129. Jurek, Thom. Béla Fleck / Abigail Washburn: Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn at AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
130. That Was Then: The Bickett Gallery Residency, North Carolina (Live), September 22, 2023, retrieved January 12, 2024