120,000+ Classic Rock Album Covers Database (1948-2026): Johnny Cash - Hymns by Johnny Cash (1959)

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Johnny Cash - Hymns by Johnny Cash (1959) | Album Review

Johnny Cash - Hymns by Johnny Cash (1959)

**Johnny Cash – Hymns by Johnny Cash (1959)**

Released in 1959, Hymns by Johnny Cash stands as one of the most heartfelt and spiritually significant albums in Johnny Cash’s career. Unlike his hit-driven or narrative-focused releases, this album is a full-length gospel project devoted to traditional Christian hymns and spiritual songs. It reveals a deeply personal side of Cash, rooted in faith, humility, and reflection.

Coming at a time when Cash was experiencing both professional success and personal struggle, Hymns by Johnny Cash offered a glimpse into the spiritual foundation that would remain a constant throughout his life. The album balances reverence with simplicity, presenting timeless hymns through Cash’s unmistakable voice and restrained, respectful arrangements.

Album Overview

Rather than modernizing the hymns or turning them into pop-friendly productions, Cash approached these songs with sincerity and restraint. The arrangements are gentle, often featuring acoustic guitar, light percussion, and soft backing vocals, allowing the lyrics and spiritual messages to remain central.

This album marked one of the earliest full gospel releases by a major country star of the era, helping bridge the worlds of country and religious music. It also laid the groundwork for Cash’s later gospel albums and faith-based recordings, which would become an important part of his artistic legacy.

Album Credits

Artist: Johnny Cash
Album Title: Hymns by Johnny Cash
Release Year: 1959
Label: Columbia Records
Producer: Don Law
Genre: Gospel, Country Gospel, Spiritual
Format: Originally released on vinyl (LP), later reissued on CD and digital formats

Produced by Don Law at Columbia Records, the album maintains a warm, reverent tone that suits its sacred material.

Tracklist

It Was Jesus
I Saw a Man
Are All the Children In
The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago
Lead Me Gently Home, Father
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Snow White Snow White
Lead Me Father
I’m Free from the Chain Gang Now
I’m a Pilgrim
That Old Time Feeling
My Mother’s Hymn Book

Key Songs and Highlights

“It Was Jesus” opens the album with quiet reverence, setting a contemplative tone that carries throughout the record.

“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” stands out as a traditional spiritual, delivered with restraint and dignity, showcasing Cash’s ability to honor deeply rooted American religious music.

“The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago” is one of the more upbeat tracks, blending gospel joy with Cash’s signature rhythmic style.

“I’m a Pilgrim” reflects the theme of spiritual journey and humility that runs throughout the album, reinforcing Cash’s role as both believer and storyteller.

“My Mother’s Hymn Book” closes the album with emotional resonance, paying tribute to the hymns of Cash’s childhood and the faith passed down through generations.

Fun Facts and Trivia

First Gospel Album: This was Johnny Cash’s first full gospel album, marking a major shift from his hit-driven country releases to spiritually focused material.
Personal Meaning: Many of the hymns were chosen because of their significance to Cash’s upbringing and family life, especially his mother’s strong religious influence.
Faith Through Struggle: The album was recorded during a period of personal turmoil for Cash, making its message of redemption and grace especially meaningful.
Gospel Legacy: This album laid the foundation for later gospel works such as The Holy Land (1969) and My Mother’s Hymn Book (2004).
Authentic Approach: Cash resisted turning the hymns into commercial pop tracks, choosing instead to preserve their traditional structure and spiritual integrity.