"Hymns by Johnny Cash" is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Johnny Cash, released in 1959. This album is a testament to Cash's deep-rooted love and appreciation for gospel music. As he noted at the time, his mother, Carrie, had always played hymns and gospel songs at home, becoming a major influence in his musical upbringing.
In this album, Cash, who was known for his unique style that blended country, rock, blues, and gospel decided to dedicate an entire album to spiritual music, a move which was considered bold for his time. Notable tracks include "It was Jesus," "Supper-Time" and "I Call Him."
"Hymns by Johnny Cash" represents the broad range of the singer’s musical skills, portrayed in a distinct style that was clearly influenced by his rural upbringing and Southern gospel roots. The album was also a reflection of Cash's faith which was not only a driving force in his life, but also a common theme throughout his career. It was one of the earliest albums to showcase Cash's unique sound and helped establish his status as a pioneer of the country music genre.
The album was positively received by critics, with reviewers praising Cash's distinctive voice and the traditional sound underscoring the tracks. Moreover, it became Cash's first and only religious album to enter the Billboard pop charts, ultimately peaking at No. 20. Despite it being a deviation from his typical music style, "Hymns by Johnny Cash" demonstrated the singer's diverse talent and musical versatility leading to its enduring popularity even in the current times.
