Alan Jackson’s “The Old Rugged Cross” Marks Christianity’s Suffering And Shame

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Not everyone knows this, but Alan Jackson’s “The Old Rugged Cross” is not the country singer’s original song. Nevertheless, the hymn is a fan-favorite among Alan Jackson’s gospel songs. His version was released as part of his 2006 “Precious Memories” album.

“The Old Rugged Cross” Beginning

George Bennard, a Methodist evangelist, was the original composer of “The Old Rugged Cross” in 1912. He wrote in a memoir that he had a vision and saw Christ and the cross inseparable. While creating the song, Bennard quickly got the melody, but he pondered more on what words should be written. It was only published in 1915 and gained attention when Billy Sunday popularized it during his evangelical campaigns and national broadcast radio show.

The hymn became a country gospel favorite throughout decades, and ever since then, a lot of country music stars revived it, few more remarkable than the other. It also marks Christianity’s suffering and shame.

Alan Jackson’s Rendition

Harmonizing traditional and mainstream country-pop tunes is always present in Alan Jackson’s songs. Although fans know that the country music icon is a proud Christian, there were no clues before releasing a Country gospel album until he did in 2006 with the “Precious Memories” album.

Music

Shop Alan Jackson

• The Greatest Hits CollectionVinylWith “Chattahoochee” and “Gone Country”See it on Amazon →
• Precious Memories CollectionVinylHis gospel hymns, including “I’ll Fly Away”See it on Amazon →
• The Last Show: One More for the RoadVinylSee it on Amazon →

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Alan Jackson‘s “The Old Rugged Cross” brought out the singer’s exceptional and distinctive voice. His first gospel album was requested by her mother, who taught him who Jesus is and strengthened his faith. When he sings the hymn in live performances, you can see that it means a lot to him. He always gives a beautiful concert and puts his all into it. Many consider it as one of the best worship songs of all time.

The whole gospel album is unexpected for the country music icon, but everyone loves a little surprise, and this rendition didn’t disappoint. Alan Jackson’s “The Old Rugged Cross” is a hymn that will reconnect you back to your faith, you can watch one of his live video below.

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