Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

“I’ll Fly Away:” A Gospel Song with Different Versions

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

There are many gospel songs known already, such as “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” and more. All of these songs are commonly recorded by many artists from different genres, but do you know what the most recorded gospel song is?

The Most Recorded Gospel Song

“I’ll Fly Away” is considered to be the most commonly recorded gospel song. The exact reason may not be known, but maybe it could be because of the beautiful words of it.

The Composer

The words to this popular hymn were written by Albert E. Brumley in 1929. He was inspired to write the song when he was working on his father’s farm in Rock Island, Oklahoma. The inspiration came to him while he was humming “The Prisoner’s Song.”

Different Versions

We present to you the list of artists who covered this gospel song.

The Selah Jubilee Singers

In 1941, a group of singers called The Selah Jubilee Singers recorded the song. However, the exact date of the release was unknown.

i'll fly away gospel song george jones selah jubilee singers
Photo Credit: The Selah Jubilee Singers/ brumleymusic.com

The Chuck Wagon Gang

The group Chuck Wagon Gang released their version in 1950, and it sold millions of copy. Their cover was chosen by The National Recording Registry for being artistically and culturally significant.

George Jones

Of course, we should not forget George Jones’ version. Jones grew up listening to gospel songs, therefore, it’s not a surprise if he covered “I’ll Fly Away.” Jones included his cover in his 1965 album Old Brush Arbors.

Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch

The version that sells the most was by Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch. In addition, Krauss and Welch’s version won in the 2002 Grammy award. They brought home the award for Album of the Year and The Best Soundtrack Album.

Krauss and Welch’s cover became part of the American film O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack.

Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson released his first gospel album Precious Memories in 2006. The album became a hit, reaching the top of the Country Album, and Christian chart. In addition, it secured a spot on the Billboard 200. His top-performing album included this inspiring gospel song.

Which version of “I’ll Fly Away” do you like the most? Why do you think that this is the most recorded gospel song?

Latest Stories

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful "Coal Miner's Daughter" Performance

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful “Coal Miner’s Daughter” Performance

In a world where country music continually evolves, some voices remind us of its timeless roots. In 2019, then-18-year-old Texas singer Hannah Kay did just that with her moving rendition ...

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top didn’t just stumble into country music fame; he built his way there from the ground up, starting on a modest farm in Sunnyside, Washington. Far removed from Nashville’s ...

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s new single, “Love Somebody,” has arrived, and it’s not just another love song—it’s an honest look at the complicated, often bumpy road to finding real connection. After years ...

Morgan Wallen Sets New Records Outshining Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift

Morgan Wallen Sets New Records Outshining Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift

Morgan Wallen’s career continues to reach impressive heights with his latest achievement. This historic milestone solidifies his place among country music’s most celebrated figures. His new single, “Love Somebody,” has ...

Jelly Roll Gets Emotional Sharing a First Look at His Expansive 500-Acre Dream Property

Jelly Roll Gets Emotional Sharing a First Look at His Expansive 500-Acre Dream Property

Country music star Jelly Roll recently shared an emotional video on social media, revealing his purchase of a sprawling 500-acre plot of land. The video, filled with raw emotion and ...

Morgan Wallen Donates $500,000 Worth of Musical Instruments to Students Across the Nation

Morgan Wallen Donates $500,000 Worth of Musical Instruments to Students Across the Nation

Country music superstar Morgan Wallen isn’t just wowing crowds on his One Night at a Time tour; he’s also rocking the world of music education. Through his Morgan Wallen Foundation, ...

Luke Combs and Eric Church's Concert Raises $24M for Hurricane Helene Victims

Luke Combs and Eric Church’s Concert Raises $24M for Hurricane Helene Victims

Country music superstars Luke Combs and Eric Church united for a powerful cause, headlining the “Concert for Carolina” to benefit victims of Hurricane Helene. The star-studded event, held at Bank ...

13 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Brad Paisley

13 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Brad Paisley

When you think of Brad Paisley, you probably picture the quick-witted country star with a guitar in hand and a string of chart-toppers behind him. But there’s much more to ...

Blake Shelton Honors Elvis Presley with "Suspicious Minds" Cover

Blake Shelton Honors Elvis Presley with “Suspicious Minds” Cover

Elvis Presley’s influence on music is undeniable, and his legacy inspires generations. His 1969 hit “Suspicious Minds” remains a signature track, capturing love, conflict, and heartbreak themes. Decades later, country ...

Alan Jackson Stops "Pop a Top" at CMAs in Honor of George Jones

Alan Jackson Stops “Pop a Top” at CMAs in Honor of George Jones

It’s always remarkable when country legends support each other, especially on music’s biggest stages. Alan Jackson’s unforgettable tribute to George Jones at the 1999 CMA Awards was one such moment, ...

Leave a Comment

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.