Brad Paisley Has Performed Gospel Music For Decades

Brad Paisley’s first-ever live performance as a child was in a church, making his version of “The Old Rugged Cross” in 2000 a full-circle moment.

The Story Behind The Hymn “The Old Rugged Cross”

“The Old Rugged Cross” is one of the most cherished hymns in Christian music, known for its heartfelt message of sacrifice and redemption. Written in 1912 by evangelist and song leader George Bennard, the hymn was born from his deep personal reflection on the meaning of Christ’s crucifixion. Struggling to express the depth of Jesus’s sacrifice, Bennard penned the now-famous lyrics that speak of clinging to the cross and exchanging it someday for a crown.

The hymn’s opening line, “On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,” sets the scene for a powerful narrative emphasizing the suffering and the glory of Christ’s death. Its chorus echoes a personal devotion to the cross, symbolizing the core of Christian faith—salvation through Jesus.

First performed in a revival meeting in Michigan, the song quickly gained popularity across churches in America and beyond. Its simple melody paired with emotionally rich lyrics has made it a staple at worship services, funerals, and Easter celebrations.

Over a century later, “The Old Rugged Cross” continues to resonate, reminding believers of God’s love and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. While various artists have covered the hymn for years, country music superstar Brad Paisley seems to have captured the emotionally charged message through his pure, southern vocals.

Brad Paisley Included “The Old Rugged Cross” On His 2001 Album

In May 2001, Paisley released hus album Part II that included the songs “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song),” “I Wish You’d Stay,” and “Two People Fell in Love.”

Paisley’s voice is exceptionally framed by very simple instrumentals and can clearly project the feeling of love and acceptance carried in this age-old song. There is a beautiful full-circle moment with Paisley singing gospel songs: his first performance was in a church!

The version he included on Part II was the live version from the Grand Ole Opry on December 16, 2000.

Take a listen Paisley’s version of “The Old Rugged Cross” below.