Easter weekend is here, and millions of people around the world will gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion on Good Friday. Those who celebrate are giving thanks for the sacrifice and what it means to them spiritually. These country gospel songs are the perfect way to make a joyful noise this weekend.
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Some of these tunes are classic gospel hymns performed by country or gospel artists. Others are original songs, written and performed to give thanks and make a statement of faith. Above all, these songs will get toes tapping and add joy to this Easter weekend.
[RELATED: Behind the Meaning of the Classic Gospel Song “Wade In The Water”]
1. “I Saw the Light” by Hank Williams
Easter celebrates Jesus rising from the tomb and extending grace to people around the world. This country gospel standard by Hank Williams is all about a man accepting that grace and turning his life around. The song is about a man who lived a life of sin, running from the word of God. However, when he “saw the light” it changed his life on every level.
“I Saw the Light” may not be a classic hymn or the first song many celebrants think of when looking for Easter music, but it’s fitting. Without the sacrifice made on Good Friday and the resurrection on the third day, that guiding light to salvation wouldn’t exist.
2. “The Old Rugged Cross” by Rhonda Vincent
Rhonda Vincent earned the title of “Queen of Bluegrass” with years of hard work. The Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist is just as comfortable playing traditional bluegrass as she is performing classic country gospel songs. Her rendition of “The Old Rugged Cross” is proof of that.
Those who grew up in church are probably so familiar with this song that they could sing it in their sleep. Listening closely to the lyrics reveals just how perfect this song is for an Easter morning, though. It’s all about the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross and the reward waiting for those who follow his teachings.
3. “It’s Alright with Me, Lord If It’s Alright with You” by Cassy Coots
This isn’t your average country gospel song. Cassy Coots is the wife of Cody Coots, former pastor of Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name in Middlesboro, Kentucky. They sing and record together as The Coots Duo. As explained in the deep-dive podcast Alabama Astronaut, “It’s Alright with Me, Lord If It’s Alright with You” is a song passed down through the Coots family.
The song, like the rest of the material recorded by the Coots family, is deeply rooted in the Pentecostal faith. Coots’ vocal delivery makes this testament of unwavering obedience and unflinching faith a beautiful addition to an Easter Sunday.
4. “I’ll Fly Away” by Alan Jackson
Nearly any uplifting gospel song or hymn would be a perfect addition to this weekend’s listening, but country legend Alan Jackson’s “I’ll Fly Away” is hard to beat. Jackson’s voice is perfect for the song, and the arrangement sounds like it would be right at home in a Southern church full of joyous congregants.
“I’ll Fly Away” is believed to be the most recorded gospel song. Many protestant denominations use the song during their services. It’s also a common song at bluegrass jam sessions and funerals alike. The themes of eternal life and the reward waiting in the afterlife are nearly guaranteed to lift almost anyone’s spirits.
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