In 2013, the American and bluegrass duo Joey + Rory released their version of the hit gospel song “In the Garden” as part of their album Inspired (Songs of Faith and Family).
Joey + Rory started their career in 2008 when they released their debut album, The Life of a Song. The duo was originally known as professional songwriters for artists like Clay Walker, Easton Corbin, and Blake Shelton.
However, over the coming years, the two eventually made a name for themselves in the industry. Aside from writing great songs, Joey and Rory are also good at giving justice to old country songs by releasing their versions.
Among the long list of great songs they have covered, their version of the classic gospel song “In the Garden” remains on top. The song was first released in 1912 but was later popularized during the Billy Sunday evangelistic campaigns.
Over the coming years, many artists have released their version of the song, including Joey and Rory. But in the bluegrass duos version, it was apparent that they decided to remove the last verse of the original lyrics, which state;
For You
I’d stay in the garden with Him
Tho’ the night around me be falling;
But He bids me go; thro’ the voice of woe,
His voice to me is calling.
The two end the song by singing the refrain verse instead. Aside from that, it is also worth noting that their voices complement each other, making the listening experience worthwhile. Some listeners even complimented the two in the comments, saying that they both have the voice of an angel.
Joey, in particular, captured everyone’s hearts through her melancholic voice, which is why when the news of her passing in 2016 after suffering from cancer circulated, listening to her voice singing this song somehow made fans emotional.
If you lost someone and are mourning, may Joey + Rory’s version of “In the Garden” help you move forward.
