Country musician Merle Haggard released a soulful rendition of “The Old Rugged Cross” in September 1981 for the studio album Songs for the Mama That Tried. The gospel album reached No. 46 on Billboard country album charts. Although the album had no hit singles, Haggard genuinely loved the tracks as he wrote in his 1999 memoir My House of Memories, “I love those songs as much as Mom did. I can’t describe the comfort they’ve given me. I haven’t listened to that album in years.”
Merle Haggard’s “The Old Rugged Cross” Rendition
Haggard’s smooth baritone voice and clear vibrato were prominent in his rendition of “The Old Rugged Cross.” The cross he refers to in the song is Jesus’ carved, wooden crucifix, which he describes as’ a wondrous beauty.’ It signifies His sacrifices, but it also transcends the nature of sinners’ salvation. The singer pledges to cherish the cross even when met with reproach.
Before the final verse, the singer narrated details of his album, which was finished in April 1981. He dedicated it to his mother, Flossie, who was about to celebrate her seventy-ninth birthday at the time. But most of all, he dedicated it to Jesus; ‘an old friend of mine,’ he calls Him.
For You
The first recording of the gospel song was released by Mrs. William Asher and Homer Rodeheaver in January 1921. It was one of the most beloved gospel hymns composed by George Bernard in 1912 at Michigan Avenue in Albion, Michigan. Haggard produced his own rendition and featured the backing vocals of a gospel choir to complement it beautifully.
In the 2013 book The Running Kind: Listening to Merle Haggard, author David Cantwell praised the singer’s “reverent, soulful singing.” His resonant and expressive voice will lure you into a spiritual journey you never thought you needed.
Hold onto your faith and reflect upon Christ’s sacrifices as you listen to Merle Haggard’s gospel hit, “The Old Rugged Cross.”
