Kris Kristofferson

Written by Kris Kristofferson in 1972, Why Me Lord was inspired by Connie Smith’s impromptu invitation to Jimmy Snow’s church. In a YouTube video, Kristofferson retells a profound religious experience for him. After hearing the song “Help Me” by Larry Gatlin and being moved by it, he responded to an invitation from Jimmy the pastor. The invitation was as Kristofferson remembers, “If anyone is lost, please raise your hand?” Kristofferson found himself raising his hand and coming forward to meet the Jimmy without even knowing why he would do such a thing. Once there, Jimmy had him kneel and spoke words over him, Kristofferson doesn't remember to this day. At this, Kristofferson began to weep from the release he felt for a forgiveness he was unaware he needed.

If you would like to listen to Kristofferson tell about his experience, and enjoy one of his most popular songs, check out the source link below.

Why Me Lord Story - Told and Sung by Kris Kristofferson

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Source: Ash Newell Photography

Unknown?

Just a Closer Walk with Thee was probably the favorite southern gospel song of the twentieth century, yet no one knows who wrote it or when it was written. It’s history most likely goes back to an unknown writer in the slave fields of the South before the Civil War. Southern black church choirs kept the hymn alive until World War II.

The first known recording of this song was by the Selah Jubilee Singers on October 8, 1941, Decca Records 7872, New York City. By the end of the 1970s, more than a hundred artists had recorded this humble prayer.

The beautiful duet by Willie Nelson and Patsy Kline can be found on the album entitled That Good Old Gospel Music, Vol. 2, released in 2007.

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Sources: The Complete Book of Hymns + James Minchin + History In Ink

Emmylou Harris

Precious Memories is a traditional gospel song written by J. B. F. Wright in 1925. It’s fitting that as a native Tennessean, Wright's creation has long been recorded by several of Nashville’s finest country artists. My personal favorite being the tender soul-filled rendition by Emmylou Harris.

Emmylou Harris’ 1987 album Angel Band, originated with her producer and later husband Paul Kennerley, after finishing up the semi-autobiographical and psychologically exhausting album, The Ballad of Sally Rose.

It was Kennerley, who told her, “I really think you should do some singing just for the heck of it. ‘Let’s get some people over to my house and do some old traditional songs and record them. We won’t make a record. It’ll be just for ourselves.’”

The friends invited were Vince Gill, Carl Jackson and producer-musician Emory Gordy Jr. A year passed, before she and Kennerley got around to listening to the home recordings with their friends, but when they did, Harris was more than a little surprised.

“It was phenomenal,” she says. “The vocal performances, the sweetness, the purity of it... we said, ‘Boy, that should come out on a record.’” A year later the album was released. To this day, Angel Band remains one of Harris’ more obscure albums, but easily one of her best as well, having mostly traditional songs with a spiritual expression rarely matched.

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Sources: Chicago Tribune + Veronique Rolland + Randy Fath

Hamblen’s Witness

This well know gospel song was written by Stuart Hamblen, who’s regarded as one of radio’s first “singing cowboys.” He was the son of a Methodist minister in Texas who had a lot of trouble handling his newfound fame. Much like others before and after him, Hamblen’s drinking and the destructive behavior that followed, would often land him in jail.

His troubles changed shortly after meeting Billy Graham. They were both appearing on Hamblen’s show to publicize the event. While on the show, Graham invited Hamblen to attend his crusade, and he accepted. After the show Graham asked if they could meet together and talk. It was then, Hamblen committed his life to Jesus Christ.

After a period of time, one of Hamblen’s Hollywood friends asked him about the rumor going around that Hamblen had changed his ways. Hamblen then replied, it was no secret what God had done for him and what God could do for his friend. That friend’s name was John Wayne, who then encouraged Hamblen to turn those lines into a song. Following Wayne’s advice, Hamblen wrote “It Is No Secret,” becoming the first song to reach #1 on the Gospel, Country, and Pop charts. Later, it was recorded by such greats as Mahalia Jackson and Elvis Presley.

Coming from his own painful experience of too much whiskey and women, George Jones recorded my personal favorite of Hamblen’s gospel gem.

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Sources: BreakPoint + Woodward Backer + Elijah Henderson