Reba McEntire Sings “Softly and Tenderly” with Clarkson and Yearwood

Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, and Kelly Clarkson Collaboration

Reba McEntire collaborated with country star Trisha Yearwood, and pop artist Kelly Clarkson in 2017 to release a gospel cover. These three artists’ rendition of “Softly and Tenderly” is hauntingly beautiful, and their vocals truly compliment one another.

The Origin of “Softly and Tenderly”

“Softly and Tenderly” is a known gospel song written in 1880. It was penned by Will L. Thompson when he was attending Dwight L. Moody’s meetings. He was moved by the words and teachings from the evangelistic meeting, that Thompson decided to devote his time in composing and writing gospel songs.

On his deathbed, Moody said to Thompson that he would have rather written “Softly and Tenderly” than anything he has done in his life.

“Will, I would rather have written “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling” than anything I have been able to do in my whole life.”

The Song’s Message

The hymn covered by McEntire reminds us that Jesus is a forgiving God. Despite our sins, He’s willing to save us and welcome us anytime into His loving arms. “Softly and Tenderly” is a beautiful song that will truly bring us closer to God, and to return to Him.

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling for you and for me
See, on the portals, He’s waiting and watching
Watching for you and for me

Chart Performance of the Song

Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope is Reba McEntire’s twenty-eighth studio album in her career. In 2016, she released “Softly and Tenderly” as a single before she included it on her album. Her rendition reached number forty-three on the US Billboard Christian chart. Meanwhile, Reba’s album placed at number one on the US Christian and Top Country Albums chart.

Reba McEntire’s Album

Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope contains twenty songs. The first half of the album contains a cover of traditional Christian songs. The other half is made of original songs written by McEntire. One song in her album was co-written by her mother, “I Got the Lord on My Side.”