You’d think a guy with 35 number-one hits and a permanent parking spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame wouldn't be nervous about a "side project." But back in 2006, that’s exactly where Alan Jackson found himself. He wasn't trying to reinvent the wheel or chase a new demographic. Honestly, he was just trying to make his mama, Ruth Musick Jackson, happy.
She’d been pestering him for a decade to record a gospel album. For years, he’d put it off, probably busy with "Chattahoochee" or winning Entertainer of the Year awards. Then his father-in-law passed away, and he recorded "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" for the funeral. Something clicked. The family basically staged an intervention. They told him it was time.
What happened next is one of those weird music industry anomalies. Country gospel music Alan Jackson style wasn't supposed to be a blockbuster. It was a Christmas gift. He printed 100 copies for friends and family. But Joe Galante, the big boss at RCA at the time, heard the raw recordings and realized people were starving for exactly this kind of simplicity.
The "Accidental" Multi-Platinum Success of Precious Memories
Most artists "go gospel" when their career is cooling off. Alan was still a titan. He’d just come off the massive success of Drive and "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere." Taking a detour into the Baptist hymnal felt like a risk. He actually worried it might confuse his fans. Would they think he was retiring from the jukeboxes and honky-tonks?
He shouldn't have worried.
When Precious Memories finally hit shelves in early 2006, it didn't just sell; it exploded. We’re talking 1.7 million copies sold. It eventually went double platinum. You have to understand how rare that is for a collection of songs that are over a hundred years old, recorded with minimal production. There were no flashy drums. No slick Nashville pop-country sheen. Just a man, a few acoustic instruments, and the songs he sang as a kid in Newnan, Georgia.
Why the simplicity worked
People are used to "over-singing" in gospel. You know the type—lots of runs, high notes, and theatrical drama. Alan did the opposite. He sang these hymns like he was sitting on a porch.
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- The Arrangements: He and producer Keith Stegall kept the instrumentation sparse.
- The Vocals: That famous Georgia baritone stayed humble.
- The Goal: It was about the message, not the messenger.
He once told the press he wanted the tracks to feel exactly like they did in the old church pews. If you grew up in the South, or really any small-town church, you know that sound. It’s the sound of a wooden floor creaking and a congregation that’s more sincere than they are on-pitch.
Beyond the Baptist Hymnal: Precious Memories Volume II
It took seven years, but the demand for a sequel never really went away. Fans were literally wearing out their first CDs. Plus, his mother and his mother-in-law weren't getting any younger. In 2013, he released Precious Memories Volume II.
This one felt even more personal. It finally included the title track, "Precious Memories," which he’d skipped the first time around because—get this—it wasn't actually in the Baptist hymnal he used as a kid. His wife Denise had to convince him to include "Amazing Grace" because he felt like it had been "done to death." She was right, of course. His version became an instant favorite.
The numbers on the second volume were just as staggering. It hit No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums chart and No. 2 on the Country charts. It even cracked the top five of the all-genre Billboard 200. Not bad for a bunch of "old songs."
The Impact of a "Small Town Southern Man"
There is a specific kind of weight to country gospel music Alan Jackson creates that sets it apart from the rest of the genre. It’s not just about religion; it’s about heritage. When you listen to "I Want to Stroll Over Heaven With You," you aren't just hearing a song. You’re hearing a story Denise Jackson tells about a gospel group they heard at a campground in South Georgia years ago. Her father, Eugene, had touched her hand and asked if she liked it.
That’s the secret sauce. It’s music tied to memory.
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Jackson’s faith has always been a quiet thread through his work. Think about "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)." It’s a 9/11 tribute, sure, but it’s deeply rooted in that "go to church and pray" sensibility. He doesn't preach. He just observes.
Facts about the Gospel Collection
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Sales | Over 2.3 million for the combined collection. |
| Key Tracks | "The Old Rugged Cross," "How Great Thou Art," "I'll Fly Away." |
| Special Guests | Denise Jackson and their daughters provided harmony vocals. |
| Cover Art | Alan actually took the photo of the country church on the first album cover. |
What Modern Listeners Get Wrong About These Albums
A lot of critics at the time thought this was a "safe" move. They called it "easy listening." But if you talk to any musician, they’ll tell you that recording something this simple is actually the hardest thing in the world. You can’t hide behind a loud snare drum or a distorted guitar. Every breath, every slight crack in the voice is right there for everyone to hear.
It was also a pioneer move. Before this, "Country Gospel" was often relegated to the back bins of Christian bookstores. Alan brought it into the mainstream. He proved that a traditional country audience didn't want "Christian Pop"—they wanted the hymns their grandfathers sang.
Even internationally, the albums took off. Alan was shocked to find out his gospel music was being played in churches in South Africa and even China. It turns out "Softly and Tenderly" translates pretty well, regardless of the language.
How to Experience Alan Jackson's Gospel Today
If you’re looking to dive into this side of his discography, don't just stream the hits. There’s a way to do this right.
1. Get the "Precious Memories Collection"
In 2016, a Walmart-exclusive (later widely released) 2-CD set came out. It combines both volumes and adds two extra songs: "That’s the Way" and "It’s All About Him." The latter was inspired by Denise's book of the same name.
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2. Watch the Ryman Performance
There is a live recording of Alan performing these songs at the Ryman Auditorium. Seeing him stand on that stage, backed by a simple band while the stained glass of the "Mother Church of Country Music" glows behind him, is the definitive way to see this music in action.
3. Listen for the Nuance
Pay attention to the piano. It’s not playing complicated jazz chords. It’s playing that "church house" style—simple, rhythmic, and supportive. It’s the bedrock of the whole project.
Alan Jackson is currently dealing with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which has made touring difficult. He’s scheduled what many believe will be his final shows through June 2026. While he’s known for the neon rainbows and the boots, these gospel records are likely what will be played at the quietest, most important moments of people’s lives for decades to come.
They weren't meant to be "commercial." They were meant to be a gift. And sometimes, those are the things that last the longest.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Create a "Sunday Morning" Playlist: Mix Alan's gospel tracks with other "traditionalist" faith albums like Randy Travis’s Inspirational Journey or Josh Turner’s I Serve a Savior to get the full neo-traditional experience.
- Check the Credits: Look for the name Keith Stegall on Alan's other albums; studying their producer-artist chemistry reveals why the sound of the gospel records is so consistent with his country hits.
- Explore the "Bluegrass Album": If you like the acoustic feel of the gospel records, Alan's 2013 The Bluegrass Album is the natural next step in your listening journey.