Introduction:
Alan Jackson’s rendition of the gospel hymn “When We All Get to Heaven” was released in 2006 as part of his album Precious Memories. The album, which is a collection of traditional hymns, marked a significant departure from Jackson’s typical country music style, showcasing his deep roots in Christian faith and Southern gospel music. The album was initially conceived as a gift for Jackson’s mother but eventually turned into a full-fledged project that resonated with a broad audience.
“When We All Get to Heaven” is a classic Christian hymn, originally written by Eliza E. Hewitt in 1898 with music composed by Emily D. Wilson. The song reflects the hope and joy of eternal life in heaven, a theme central to many gospel songs. In Jackson’s version, the song retains its traditional essence while benefiting from his smooth, laid-back vocal delivery and simple acoustic arrangements. This allowed the hymn to appeal not only to gospel music enthusiasts but also to Jackson’s large fan base in the country music world.
Precious Memories is a Southern gospel and country gospel album, blending traditional church music with Jackson’s signature style. The album reached remarkable success, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and even peaking at No. 4 on the all-genre Billboard 200. This achievement underscored Jackson’s ability to transcend his usual genre and connect with audiences on a spiritual level.
Though “When We All Get to Heaven” was not released as a standalone single, its presence on the album contributed to the project’s widespread acclaim. The album later achieved platinum certification by the RIAA, cementing its legacy in both gospel and country music. Alan Jackson’s version of this hymn has since become a popular inclusion in Christian gatherings and remains a celebrated example of his versatility as an artist.
Video:
Lyrics:
“When We All Get To Heaven”
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus;
Sing his mercy and his grace.
In the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!Onward to the prize before us!
Soon his beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold.