The Old Cross

About this video

This song is a reinterpretation of "The Old Rugged Cross." “The Old Rugged Cross” was written by evangelist George Bennard in 1912 and first sung publicly in 1913, after he reflected deeply on the meaning of Christ’s suffering and the believer’s love for the cross; it was later published in 1915 and became widely popular through revival meetings and the ministry networks of people such as Homer Rodeheaver and Billy Sunday. The hymn quickly became one of the best-known gospel songs in America because of its plain, heartfelt language and memorable chorus. Over the years, it has been recorded and reinterpreted in many styles—traditional church hymn, Southern gospel, country gospel, choir arrangements, and solo performance—with well-known versions by artists such as Mahalia Jackson, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Ernest Tubb, Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, and Carrie Underwood.