Country's 20 Classic Gospel Songs of the Century

Known primarily for her pop-influenced country hits and spectacular voice, Patsy Cline is included here singing the 19th century song, "Life’s Railway to Heaven," one of only two gospel songs she ever recorded.  The 1960s are also represented by Ferlin Husky’s 1960 #1 smash "Wings of a Dove," which became a pop hit as well; "Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord)," which brings Johnny Cash together with the Carter Family in a 1962 recording; Connie Smith’s powerful "How Great Thou Art"; and Elvis Presley’s justly popular “Crying in the Chapel."  Presley, arguably the century’s most revered and important popular music figure, is well known for his deep and lifelong love of sacred music, providing one of the strongest examples of the confluence of the genres.

Merle Haggard’s "Precious Lord, Take My Hand/Jesus Hold My Hand” medley, performed live with the Carter’s during a church service, is one of a trio of songs by legendary artists in the 1970s.  Dolly Parton’s poignant and uplifting “Coat of Many Colors” and Willie Nelson’s stellar version of “Uncloudy Day” were both Top Five country hits, the former in 1971, the latter in 1976.

The Statler Brothers, long part of Johnny Cash’s touring ensemble, contribute their version of perhaps the single best-known Christian song ever written—“Amazing Grace,” recorded in 1984.  Tammy Wynette, the “first lady” of late-20th century country singing, drew on her own gospel background with a 1987 recording of “Precious Memories.”  Ricky Skaggs was joined by the Whites for a 1983 version of “Children Go (Where I Send Thee),” and Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris, who joined forces in the 1980s, dipped into the gospel field with their 1987 recording of “Farther Along.”

The CD’s latest recordings are its opening songs.  Alison Krauss is represented by “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow,” from a Grammy winning 1994 collaboration with the Cox Family, and Vince Gill by his Grammy winning tribute to his brother and Keith Whitley, the emotional “Go Rest High on That Mountain.”  Both show the continuing intermingling of country and gospel music, a trend which is moving comfortably into the 21st century.