The “Man In Black” Johnny Cash, is one of the most successful country artists in history. In other words, he is a legend. He has recorded massive and successful singles such as “I Walk the Line,” “Ring of Fire,” “Get Rhythm,” and “Man in Black.” Also, he’s known for some humorous songs such as “One Piece at a Time,” “A Boy Named Sue,” and “Jackson.” Nevertheless, he is never new to Christian gospel hymns. In fact, he has made gospel albums. With this, let our souls be filled with his rendition of the hymn “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder.”
When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder…
James Milton Black wrote the words and lyrics of the hymn. Also, he was the person behind the matching and soothing sound of the hymn. Moreover, the anthem was written in 1893. Since then, the message of the psalm has spread all throughout the world. “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder” was based on “1 Thessalonians 4:16.”
The Creation of the Song…
Back then when James Milton Black was a Sunday School Teacher and the President of the Young People’s Society, he met a 14-year-old girl named Bessie. Bessie was a child of a drunkard. With this, she gets little attention. She wears poorly clothes, and apparently, she isn’t enjoying the joy of life as other teens do. Black invited Bessie to join Sunday school and become a member of the Young People’s Society. He thought it would help Bessie change her life. So, Bessie joined and attended.
One evening at a youth meeting, each member answered the roll call by repeating a scripture text, but Bessie didn’t reply. The situation led to Black’s realization that it would be sad if our names are called in heaven, and we are absent. His thought turned into prayers:
“Oh, God, when my name is called up yonder, may I be there to respond!”
After the meeting, on his way home, he’s looking for a song to sing but found nothing. Moreover, he still thinking of the thought that it would be great to have a song about the situation. Then, he thought, of writing a song about it.
When Black arrived home, he immediately looked for words and sat in front of the piano trying to create the melody. Fortunately, he was able to pen the song and even create a perfect tune to it.
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James Milton Black, Johnny Cash, When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder