"When the Saints Go Marching In", also known as "The Saints", is a traditional African-American spiritual that began as a Christian gospel hymn. No author is known, and its origins are unclear: it apparently evolved in the early 1900s from similarly titled gospel songs, including "When the Saints Are Marching In" (1896) and "When the Saints March In for Crowning" (1908). Several composers later claimed copyright in the folk song. The first known recording was made in 1923 by the Paramount Jubilee Singers, and gospel versions followed in the 1920s. The Sanctified Singers' up-tempo version of 1931 was more rhythmic. The song became a jazz standard associated with New Orleans, where it is traditionally performed at jazz funerals. One of the most famous jazz recordings is Louis Armstrong and his orchestra's version of 13 May 1938, and Harry Belafonte's 1957 version is among the best known. No official set of words exists, and the verses are easy to extend. The song is often misnamed "When the Saints Come Marching In".
