A Collection Of 50 Of The Best Southern Gospel Songs Through The Years

Have you ever heard a tune that seems to fill your soul and lifts your sorrow away? Well, that’s the kind of feeling you may experience when listening to Southern Gospel Songs.

Over the years, listening to gospel music has been a brilliant way to cultivate one’s spirituality, helping one be more devout and feel closer to a higher power. It’s written to express either personal or communal faith regarding biblical teachings and Christian life. It eventually evolved into a popular form of music throughout the United States and overseas, providing an avenue of hope, especially when things seem very bleak.

Yet, you don’t have to be religious to be affected by the power of great music. So, without further ado, we are sharing some of the best Southern Gospel Songs throughout the years. Keep on scrolling below to find out.

1. Amazing Grace

The inspirational hymn “Amazing Grace” has been persistently covered as a song by various artists. 

The heartening lyrics were written by English Anglican clergyman and poet John Newton as early as 1779 from his personal experience. Newton grew up without religious convictions, and his life took many twists and turns until he found God. 

2. When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder

This 1893 hymn with words and music by James Milton Black has been one of the most popular Christian hymns of all time. “When The Roll is Called Up Yonder” was inspired by the idea of The Book of Life pointed out in the Bible and how the thought of someone not being in attendance in heaven haunted him.

3. The Old Rugged Cross

This popular hymn was written as early as 1912 by American evangelist and song leader George Bennard. In 1952, it became the title track of Ernest Tubb’s gospel album. Since then, “The Old Rugged Cross” has been a country gospel favorite performed by some of the most notable artists.

4. How Great Thou Art

This Christian hymn has been around since 1859, and we have seen many covers throughout the years that “How Great Thou Art” has duly won its place in the hearts of music fans all over the world, instilling a sense of faith and peace.

5. What a Friend We Have in Jesus

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” was originally written by preacher Joseph M. Scriven as a poem in 1855 to comfort his mother, who was living in Ireland while he was in Canada. Since it was published, the hymn has been recorded with different lyrics in various languages.

6. Blessed Assurance

“Blessed Assurance” is a beautiful song of faith that declares the devotion we have to God. It was written in 1873 by a prolific hymn writer named Fanny Crosby, who’s actually one of the most well-known and well-loved hymn writers in history.

7. I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary

The hymn was written by gospel musician Gloria Gaither with her husband, Bill Gaither, who was a member of the Gaither Vocal Band. It was inspired by the testimony of Corrie Ten Boom and her terrible experience during World War II in Nazi Germany.

8. It Is Well With My Soul

The song was written by a successful lawyer and businessman Horatio G. Spafford during a difficult time of his life when his young son died of pneumonia while most of their business was lost in the great Chicago fire.

9. Because He Lives

This is another song written by couple Bill and Gloria Gaither. It’s a beautiful hymn of how Jesus helps us face tomorrow fearlessly.

10. Sheltered in the Arms of God

What’s even better than being under God’s loving protection? This song is a great reminder that God walks with us every step of the way, even when the storm rages high.

11. Victory in Jesus

This hymn was written by prolific songwriter Eugene M. Bartlett Sr. about how he kept his faith following a paralyzing stroke that left him unable to speak and walk.

12. I’ll Fly Away

“I’ll Fly Away” is one of the most recorded gospel songs and is often used in worship services by various religious groups. One of the most famous recordings was the duet of Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch.

13. The Lighthouse

The song became a huge hit in Southern gospel and remains today as one of the most recorded songs. It tells the story of a man appreciating God for showing him the light around so he might clearly see.

14. He Looked Beyond My Faults

There’s perhaps nothing more beautiful than to belong to a God who loves us unconditionally. It was written by Dottie Rambo for her brother Eddie Luttrell, who had cancer and a few weeks to live. The song served as a reminder that God would take him in despite his failings.

15. Midnight Cry

The Southern Gospel Song was written by brothers Chuck and Greg Day, inspired by the evangelistic service they attended while visiting their parents’ home in Adel, Georgia. When the guest speaker announced that his sermon series would be called the “Midnight Cry,” they knew there was something there.

Great Southern Gospel Songs can truly enrich, cleanse, and fill the soul. So, here are some more for you to relish. The more you listen to it, the more your faith is built.

16. Oh What a Savior
17. Sweet Beulah Land
18. I Surrender All
19. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
20. ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
21. A Child of The King
22. Ten Thousand Angels
23. Jesus Is Coming Soon
24. I’ve Got That Old Time Religion In My Heart
25. We Shall See Jesus
26. Sweet Sweet Spirit
27. Pass Me Not
28. I’ll Meet You in the Morning
29. Tell Me the Story of Jesus
30. He Hideth My Soul
31. Your First Day in Heaven
32. When They Ring Those Golden Bells
33. How Big Is God?
34. Oh I Love Jesus
35. There Rose A Lamb by Gold City
36. Give The World A Smile
37. A Child Of The King
38. Whosoever Will May Come to Jesus
39. Rose of Sharon
40. Child Of The King Beloved
41. All in the Name of Jesus
42. I’m Climbing Up the Mountain
43. Then I Met the Master
44. We Shall Behold Him
45. Jesus Holds the Keys
46. He Knows Just What I Need
47. I’m Bound for the Kingdom
48. God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It
49. Goodby, World, Goodby
50. At The Crossing

Well, we hope you will enjoy this list of Southern Gospel Songs, and these will give you the hope and strength you need.