Alan Jackson Embraces His Faith Singing “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”
on Mar 29, 2024 • Updated Apr 18, 2025
Alan Jackson Shares His Love For Jesus In Song
Alan Jackson has never shied away from sharing his love for Jesus. He’s channeled that passion into his music on many occasions.
In 2006, Jackson entered the gospel music community by releasing his first gospel record, Precious Memories. The album contained recordings of some of Jackson’s favorite hymns.
One song Jackson recorded for the album was “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
The hymn has been around for centuries, as it was originally written in 1855 by Irish poet Joseph M. Scriven. He penned the poem for his mother, who lived in Ireland while he was away in Canada.
Scriven published the poem anonymously. Therefore, he never received full credit for it until the 1880s. Before then, composer and attorney Charles Crozat Converse set the poem to music.
Watch Alan’s Live Gospel Performance At The Ryman
Over the years, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” has been a hymnal staple. It’s also a beloved favorite of gospel singers and everyday people.
Several noteworthy performers recorded the song before and after it appeared on Jackson’s Precious Memories. Some of these artists include Brad Paisley, Ronnie Milsap, and Glen Campbell.
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Jackson filmed a concert special at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to accompany the material he recorded for Precious Memories. His performance of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” made it onto the DVD.
You’ll instantly feel at ease as you listen to the soothing sound of Jackson’s voice. The performance has a comforting quality, which is why fans keep playing it year after year.
Tune in below to see Alan Jackson pour his heart into his performance of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Hopefully, this song brings a ray of sunshine into your day.
