Introduction:
Blessed Assurance isn’t originally a song by country music artist Alan Jackson, but a beloved Christian hymn with a long history. The song itself dates back to 1873, composed by Phoebe Knapp with lyrics written by Fanny Crosby, a prolific hymn writer who penned over 8,000 hymns throughout her lifetime. Classified within the Christian Country genre, the hymn quickly became a standard within Christian music circles, sung in churches and religious gatherings for over a century.
Alan Jackson’s rendition of Blessed Assurance wasn’t the first, and wouldn’t be the last. The song’s enduring message of faith and hope has resonated with countless artists across various genres, making it a popular choice for covers. However, Alan Jackson’s version, included on his 2006 album Precious Memories, stands out for its commercial success. Released on February 28, 2006, Precious Memories marked a significant departure from Jackson’s usual country music style. The album was entirely comprised of gospel hymns, a genre that held deep personal meaning for the artist. Produced by Keith Stegall, a frequent collaborator known for his work with various country music stars, Precious Memories achieved critical and commercial acclaim. The album reached number one on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 chart, demonstrating its crossover appeal.
Blessed Assurance was a standout track on the album. Jackson’s smooth vocals delivered the powerful lyrics with sincerity, resonating with both country music fans and those seeking inspirational music. The song benefitted from the overall success of the Precious Memories album, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. This marked a significant achievement for a gospel song, especially considering it wasn’t originally written for a country music audience. The song’s success on the country charts is a testament to both the enduring power of Blessed Assurance and Alan Jackson’s ability to connect with his audience through his heartfelt performance.
While not Alan Jackson’s original work, Blessed Assurance became a significant part of his musical journey. His rendition of the classic hymn not only achieved commercial success but also helped introduce the beauty of gospel music to a wider audience.
Video:
Lyrics:
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!Heir of salvation, purchase of GodBorn of his Spirit, washed in His bloodThis is my story, this is my songPraising my Savior all the day longThis is my story, this is my songPraising my Savior all the day longPerfect submission, perfect delightVisions of rapture now burst on my sightAngels descending bring from aboveEchoes of mercy, whispers of loveThis is my story, this is my songPraising my Savior all the day longThis is my story, this is my songPraising my Savior all the day longPraising my Savior all the day long