In 2016, Craig Morgan faced a tragedy no parent should ever endure: the loss of his 19-year-old son, Jerry, in a tubing accident on Kentucky Lake. Morgan’s heartbreak was profound, but from his grief came a song that has touched hearts across the world. “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost” is more than music—it’s a journey through loss, faith, and love, and it’s a testament to the unbreakable bond between a father and son.
Morgan’s emotional live performance of the song on The Kelly Clarkson Show brought everyone to tears, including Kelly Clarkson herself, Blake Shelton, and guest Eva Mendes. The moment was a raw and powerful reminder of how music can heal and connect.
From Tragedy to a Song That Tells a Father’s Story
One night, not long after Jerry’s passing, Morgan woke up in the middle of the night with a chorus ringing in his mind. Before he was fully awake, the words had poured out of him. By the time morning came Morgan had finished the song. It was a deeply personal expression of his grief and faith, and it became the song we now know as “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost.”
Morgan initially debuted the song at the Grand Ole Opry in 2019, thinking it would be a one-time performance. But country legend Ricky Skaggs encouraged him to share it with the world. “You have to sing this song again,” Skaggs urged. With those words, Morgan pushed through his pain, recording the track and even shooting a music video at his farm in Dickson, Tennessee.
Although Morgan wasn’t sure if radio would embrace such a heavy, emotional song, he was determined to share it with as many people as possible. He released it on iTunes, letting its powerful message speak for itself.
Blake Shelton’s Campaign and a Tearful Kelly Clarkson Moment
Enter Blake Shelton, Morgan’s longtime friend and fellow country star. Shelton took it upon himself to champion the song, launching a Twitter campaign to promote it to a broader audience. His heartfelt tweets captured the song’s emotional impact. Shelton even offered to give up his spot on the charts for Morgan’s song.
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“There’s nothing easy or fun about writing a song like this, but sometimes it’s something you gotta do,” Shelton tweeted. His efforts paid off. “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost” soared to the top of the iTunes country chart and even claimed the number-one spot on the overall chart.
The song’s success led to Morgan’s appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, where he performed the track live. The raw emotion of his performance left everyone visibly moved. Morgan closed his eyes for much of the song, his voice quivering with every word. Clarkson and Mendes rushed to the stage to embrace him when he reached the final notes. Even Shelton, who made a surprise appearance, was overcome with emotion.
Shop Kelly Clarkson
- BreakawayVinylWith “Since U Been Gone” and “Because of You”See it on Amazon
- Wrapped in RedVinylHer Christmas album, with “Underneath the Tree”See it on Amazon
- River Rose and the Magical LullabyBook · 2016Her children’s picture bookSee it on Amazon
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Before his performance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Morgan shared how the loss of his son feels as fresh as the day it happened. “For me, it was yesterday. And every day is yesterday,” he said. Despite the pain, Morgan believes Jerry remains with him in small but significant ways, from seeing the number 13 (Jerry’s number) in unexpected places to experiencing what he calls “angel moments.”
If you haven’t yet seen Craig Morgan’s performance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, it’s a must-watch. It’s a poignant reminder of the healing power of music and the enduring strength of a father’s love.
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