Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Johnny Cash and Family Sang “Will The Circle Be Unbroken”

Johnny Cash & Family - Will The Circle Be Unbroken
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Raised on gospel music as a child, the legendary Johnny Cash sang gospel songs. He had always infused his recordings and concerts with gospel hymns all the way through his long career. This includes “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” which has always been part of his repertoire and often performed with his family. 

RELATED: 17 Incredible and Unforgettable Johnny Cash Gospel Songs

The hymn took a new meaning for Cash when he married June Carter – the daughter of Mother Maybelle Carter, and has performed with the iconic Carter Family from the age of ten. 

Meanwhile, “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” first gained attention when The Carter Family recorded it. It was based on a gospel hymn published in 1908 by Ada Habershon and music by Charles Gabriel, who were both prolific writers of church music. The Carter Family reworked and released it in 1935.

The Carter Family made significant changes, most notably in the chorus, to the gospel hymn – which sings about death, funeral, and mourning of a mother’s demise. Since then, the folk music group’s version has been recorded by various acts, including Roy Acuff, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ralph Stanley, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

Johnny Cash Sure Liked To Keep It All In The Family!

In one special performance, Johnny Cash and his family performed a chilling cover of the classic gospel song “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.” June Carter Cash kicked off the song and made us remember why she is considered a country legend! 

She was later joined by her talented family, harmonizing and sounding like a full gospel choir that you would feel chills go down your spine. The other members also took lead vocals, and their voices would make you think the gates of Heaven had just opened.

Make sure to listen to “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” as sung by Johnny Cash and the Carter Family in the video below.

Latest Stories

Morgan Wallen Donates $500,000 Worth of Musical Instruments to Students Across the Nation

Morgan Wallen Donates $500,000 Worth of Musical Instruments to Students Across the Nation

Country music superstar Morgan Wallen isn’t just wowing crowds on his One Night at a Time tour; he’s also rocking the world of music education. Through his Morgan Wallen Foundation, ...

Luke Combs and Eric Church's Concert Raises $24M for Hurricane Helene Victims

Luke Combs and Eric Church’s Concert Raises $24M for Hurricane Helene Victims

Country music superstars Luke Combs and Eric Church united for a powerful cause, headlining the “Concert for Carolina” to benefit victims of Hurricane Helene. The star-studded event, held at Bank ...

13 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Brad Paisley

13 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Brad Paisley

When you think of Brad Paisley, you probably picture the quick-witted country star with a guitar in hand and a string of chart-toppers behind him. But there’s much more to ...

Blake Shelton Honors Elvis Presley with "Suspicious Minds" Cover

Blake Shelton Honors Elvis Presley with “Suspicious Minds” Cover

Elvis Presley’s influence on music is undeniable, and his legacy inspires generations. His 1969 hit “Suspicious Minds” remains a signature track, capturing love, conflict, and heartbreak themes. Decades later, country ...

Alan Jackson Stops "Pop a Top" at CMAs in Honor of George Jones

Alan Jackson Stops “Pop a Top” at CMAs in Honor of George Jones

It’s always remarkable when country legends support each other, especially on music’s biggest stages. Alan Jackson’s unforgettable tribute to George Jones at the 1999 CMA Awards was one such moment, ...

Ben Haggard Pays Tribute to His Dad with "Sing Me Back Home"

Ben Haggard Pays Tribute to His Dad with “Sing Me Back Home”

Stepping into the spotlight with a last name like Haggard carries immense weight. Still, Ben Haggard embraces it with remarkable grace and sincerity. As the youngest son of the legendary ...

Vince Gill and Alison Krauss' Soulful Duet of "Tryin' to Get Over You"

Vince Gill and Alison Krauss’ Soulful Duet of “Tryin’ to Get Over You”

Heartbreak has never sounded as hauntingly beautiful as when Vince Gill and Alison Krauss come together to perform “Tryin’ to Get Over You.” In this breathtaking live duet, their voices ...

Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” Surprise at Tyler Perry Play

Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” Surprise at Tyler Perry Play

On February 14, 2020, Nashville concertgoers were treated to an unforgettable surprise during Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Farewell Tour stop at Bridgestone Arena. It wasn’t just Madea that left the crowd ...

Allie Colleen Honors Keith Whitley with a Heartfelt Cover of "Don't Close Your Eyes"

Allie Colleen Honors Keith Whitley with a Heartfelt Cover of “Don’t Close Your Eyes”

In 2015, Allie Colleen—daughter of country icon Garth Brooks—delivered a touching tribute to Keith Whitley with her rendition of “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” Shared on her Facebook page, the performance ...

Scotty McCreery Wows the Opry with His “Hello Darlin’” Performance

Scotty McCreery Wows the Opry with His “Hello Darlin’” Performance

In 2015, country artist Scotty McCreery took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry, four years after winning American Idol Season 10. He captivated the audience with a stunning rendition ...

Leave a Comment

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.