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Johnny Cash Gospel Songs

johnny cash gospel songs
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Johnny Cash was known for performing a wide variety of music genres throughout his career, including country, rock and roll, folk, and gospel. While he was not exclusively a gospel artist, he did record and perform many gospel songs and albums throughout his career. I have a few Johnny Cash gospel songs included on this page.

In fact, Johnny Cash's gospel recordings were some of his most popular and enduring works. His album "Hymns by Johnny Cash," released in 1959, was one of his earliest gospel albums and is considered a classic of the genre. He also recorded several other gospel albums throughout his career, including "The Holy Land" and "Believe in Him."

Johnny Cash's religious beliefs were an important part of his life, and he often incorporated gospel themes and messages into his music, even in his non-gospel recordings. He was known for his unique ability to infuse his performances with a sense of spirituality and reverence, and his gospel recordings in particular showcase his deep faith and love for traditional hymns and spirituals.


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Johnny Cash recorded numerous gospel songs throughout his career, both as standalone tracks and on entire albums dedicated to gospel music.

Here are some specific titles of gospel songs that Johnny Cash recorded:

  1. "Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord)"
  2. "The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago"
  3. "I Saw a Man"
  4. "He Turned the Water into Wine"
  5. "The Way Worn Traveler"
  6. "Daddy Sang Bass"
  7. "I'll Fly Away"
  8. "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"
  9. "Peace in the Valley"
  10. "When He Comes"
  11. "The Ten Commandments"
  12. "Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord)"
  13. "Why Me Lord"
  14. "How Great Thou Art"
  15. "Amazing Grace"

These are just a few examples of the many gospel songs that Johnny Cash recorded.

His gospel recordings were a significant part of his musical legacy, and they continue to be beloved by fans of gospel music and country music alike.

A Few Johnny Cash Gospel Songs

I've included below several songs below with free chords and lyrics that are not exactly gospel songs, but do fit under the umbrella of what I would call spiritual songs.


1. Aint No Grave

aintnograve

Ain't No Grave was written by 12 years old Claude Ely who was suffering with tuberculosis back in 1934. Johnny Cash did his version in 2003 just before his death but it was not released until after his death.

You'll find this track on his album American IV.

  • Drop D Tuning: Yes
  • Capo: No
  • Rhythm: root down root up down up and repeat 
  • Picking: Yes
  • Chords: Dm, Gm, Am
Chords & Lyrics
 


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Yes, Johnny Cash did write and perform several gospel songs throughout his career. In fact, his religious beliefs and his faith were important themes in his music, and he often incorporated spiritual messages into his songwriting.

Here are some examples of gospel songs that Johnny Cash wrote:

  1. "Belshazzar": This song tells the biblical story of the Babylonian king Belshazzar, who saw a mysterious hand writing on the wall during a feast.
  2. "The Masterpiece": This song is a tribute to God and to the idea that each person is a unique creation and work of art.
  3. "The Greatest Cowboy of Them All": This song imagines Jesus as a cowboy, riding through the mountains and saving lost souls.
  4. "The Man Comes Around": This song, which was featured on Cash's album "American IV: The Man Comes Around," is a haunting and powerful meditation on the end times and the return of Christ.
  5. "Redemption": This song, which was featured on Cash's album "American Recordings," is a poignant and heartfelt reflection on the power of redemption and forgiveness.

These are just a few examples of the gospel songs that Johnny Cash wrote and recorded. His music continues to inspire and uplift listeners with its messages of faith, hope, and redemption.


2. Flesh And Blood

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Flesh And Blood was a single released from Johnny's 1970 album "I Walk The Line".

The song reached #1 in both Canada and the US.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: No
  • Rhythm: root down root up down up and repeat
  • Picking: Yes
  • Chords: C, F, C7, D7, G
Chords & Lyrics

 


Johnny Cash Gospel Songs That Made The Top 40

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Yes, several of Johnny Cash's gospel songs were successful on both the gospel and country charts, with some even reaching the top 40. Here are some examples:

  1. "Daddy Sang Bass": This gospel song was released in 1968 and reached No. 1 on the Billboard country chart and No. 8 on the Billboard gospel chart.
  2. "The Preacher Said, "Jesus Said"": This song was released in 1972 and reached No. 14 on the Billboard country chart and No. 10 on the Billboard gospel chart.
  3. "The Old Rugged Cross": This classic hymn was recorded by Johnny Cash and released on his album "The Holy Land" in 1969. Although it was not released as a single, the album reached No. 2 on the Billboard gospel chart.
  4. "He Turned the Water into Wine": This gospel song was released in 1969 and reached No. 9 on the Billboard country chart and No. 14 on the Billboard gospel chart.
  5. "What on Earth (Will You Do for Heaven's Sake)": This song was released in 1970 and reached No. 34 on the Billboard country chart and No. 23 on the Billboard gospel chart.

These are just a few examples of Johnny Cash's gospel songs that achieved chart success. His gospel music remains a beloved and enduring part of his musical legacy.


3. Long Black Veil

long black veil song

Long Black Veil is an old Lefty Frizzell song that he recorded back in 1959. Lefty scored a #6 hits with his version.

Johnny Cash recorded a version for his Folsom Prison Blues album and played it on his 1969 Johnny Cash show.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: No
  • Rhythm: root down root up down up and repeat
  • Picking: Yes
  • Chords: C, G, F
Chords & Lyrics

 

Johnny Cash Gospel Songs Performed During The Funeral

Johnny Cash's funeral was held on September 15, 2003, at the First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. The funeral was a private ceremony attended by family and close friends. Several musical tributes were performed at the service, including:

  1. "Precious Memories" by Marty Stuart and Connie Smith
  2. "How Great Thou Art" by Ronnie Dunn
  3. "Far Side Banks of Jordan" by Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers
  4. "Softly and Tenderly" by Randy Travis
  5. "Spiritual Medley" by the Oak Ridge Boys
  6. "Old Rugged Cross" by Travis Tritt
  7. "Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord)" by Rosanne Cash
  8. "Just As I Am" by Billy Graham

Johnny Cash's daughter, Rosanne Cash, also performed her song "September When It Comes," which she had written as a tribute to her father.

The service concluded with a recording of Johnny Cash's song "Ring of Fire," and his family and friends exited the church to the strains of "When the Saints Go Marching In."

The musical tributes at Johnny Cash's funeral were a fitting tribute to his life and career as a musician, and they celebrated his legacy as a beloved and influential figure in American music.


4. Sunday Morning Coming Down

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Sunday Morning Coming Down was written by Kris Kristofferson and was first recorded by Ray Stevens in 1969.

Johnny Cash performed the song on his television show and it became a track on his 1970 album The Johnny Cash Show. The song was also released as a single and hit #1 on the country charts and won a CMA award that year.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 3rd fret
  • Rhythm: root down up down up down up and repeat
  • Picking: No just some riffs throughout the rhythm 
  • Chords: G, C, D, D7, Em, G7 
Chords & Lyrics

 

Johnny Cask Wiki Page

Thanks for stopping by my Johnny Cash gospel songs page and over time, I'll be adding more yo this page. I hope this page was helpful for you.


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