Country Singer Brad Paisley Sings 108-Year-Old Gospel Song 'The Old Rugged Cross'

Apr 13, 2020

In 2012, Brad Paisley performed a classic hymn, The Old Rugged Cross, in Stockholm, Sweden. The song was written in 1912 but it's still played all around the world, especially on Easter.

The Old Rugged Cross has been a country gospel favorite ever since it became the title song of Ernest Tubb's 1952 gospel album. Besides Brad Paisley, other notable artists that have performed this song include Al Green, Chet Atkins, John Berry, Floyd Cramer, George Jones, Eddy Arnold, Jim Reeves, Johnny Cash, and June Carter.

British television dramatist Dennis Potter used the gospel song prominently in several of his plays, most notably Pennies from Heaven (1978). It was also in an episode of the long-running sci-fi drama series Doctor Who. In early 2009, the song was covered by Ronnie Milsap on his gospel album Then Sings My Soul.

Brad Paisley is known for the emotions that he can stir in the songs that he sings on stage, and his rendition of this popular hymn is just one of the many proofs of that.

Before he starts singing, he makes banter with the audience, asking them what is the preferred type of alcoholic beverage in Sweden, and even jests about the harsh winter season that the people in that country experience.

According to Variety, before coronavirus hit, Brad Paisley and his wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley already had plans to open up The Store in Nashville, a free grocery store for those experiencing economic need and food insecurity. However, their official opening on March 14 allowed Paisley to help those in need, including delivering a week’s worth of groceries to Nashville’s elderly. 

He made an announcement on instagram saying,

“So, in light of changing times, @thestore_nashville is mobilizing delivery of a week’s groceries to our elderly neighbors in Edgehill and Berry Hill on Wednesdays/Thursdays. If anyone needs to be included on this list, we urge them to contact info@thestore.org."

Is this one of your favorite hymns? Let us know in the comments how you celebrated Easter this year while quarantined. Be sure to pass this along to your friends and family.