There is an unequivocal link between faith and country music that is so strong that its influence can still be heard in the chart topping tunes of today. As explored in our previous article, there are several country singers that have answered the call to ministry, and have left the smoky bars and neon lights for Sunday mornings, and the pulpit.
My heart and prayers go out to them as that journey is never an easy one, but necessary when you have a calling. Regardless of what faith walk an artist may decide to pursue there is always a bible verse we can set our tent on when we need to hear an encouraging word. What follows are seven country stars that share their favorite bible passages in the hopes that it will bring you comfort, confidence, and strength.
During the pandemic it was hard to get your bearings. Even a super star like Dolly Parton was trying to find ways to help everyone, and she really did help. From providing protective supplies to first responders in Eastern Tennessee to contributing 1 Million Dollars to Vanderbilt for coronavirus research. The latter actually helped fund the Moderna Vaccine. I'm sure Dolly's philanthropy is inspired by the love and goodwill towards all she learned early on.
On The Today Show, Dolly shared how the verse that states through God all is possible is so inspiring to her during tough times as it really covers it all. We think she was referring to Matthew 19:26
With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Dolly went on to share how she still remembers everything she learned in church, and all the smart advice her mother gave her throughout the years. Dolly is one of the most successful, and iconic stars of our time. It's refreshing to know that even at such a high level of fame, the Bible continues to be a go to source for comfort.
Alan Jackson has earned/accomplished nearly every award, and accolade you can imagine in country music. When he turned his attention to gospel music, the reception was about the same. His first gospel album Precious Memories, a collection of mostly the gospel standards we grew up with was certified platinum.
It also debuted at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard 200, and No. 1 on the Top Country Albums Chart. Furthermore, the album earned the 2007 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, for Country Album of the Year. There is no doubt that Alan was deeply influenced by his parents who reared him in the ways of the Lord early on, especially his momma Mrs Ruth Jackson.
On Where Her Heart Has Always Been we hear Ruth reciting one of her favorite bible verses, and we're sure it must be one of AJ's faves too..
It was Luke 2:9, but we also included verse ten for context.
9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Jeff Foxworthy did not set out to become a celebrity, not at all. He was brought up by christian parents in the Atlanta area, and worked at IBM.
His colleagues thought he was pretty funny, and urged him to enter a talent contest. He took their advice, and won the Great Southeastern Laugh-off contest, the rest is country music history.
The Atlanta native has charted eleven top 40 albums on the Billboard Country Charts. Five were top ten albums, and three reached platinum certifications. Two of the three albums reached triple platinum, and two videos also earned platinum certifications.
Jeff is a successful comedian, but his devotion to his faith is no joke.
The awarded funny man was tapped to host The American Bible Challenge which aired to excellent reviews on the Game Show Network. It ran for three seasons and was nominated for an Emmy. Jeff said the series is about sharing God's blessings which are not based on our performance on planet earth, but rather his love for us. Here's one of Jeff's favorite bible verses that is especially motivating when your purpose and public opinion are at odds.
Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Kane Brown was probably one of the first country artists I heard that incorporated hip hop elements into his twang. Six years later and it is a mainstream country music standard with artists like Morgan Wallen, Kelsea Ballerina, and Little Big Town all incorporating similar stylings in their music. But Kane's early life wasn't as fun and danceable as his music is, not at all. He grew up in a single parent home, and when things were tough, his family experienced homelessness.
Music however was always something good in Kane's life. It wasn't too long before he started singing at school and incredibly enough future Opry member Lauren Alaina was a fellow school choir mate. From homemade YouTube videos to platinum selling albums, and love.
Kane has come a long way, and has much to Thank God for, which coincidentally, is the title of his latest number one with wifey Katelyn Jae. The song recently won the CMT Video of The Year Award. But Mr. Brown has won many awards to date including the following:
Additionally, Kane is the proud poppa of two little girls. With so much to be grateful for Kane tattooed the following bible verse on his chest:
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
On May 25, 2011, the world watched as a 17 year old from North Carolina amassed enough votes to win the coveted American Idol competition away from Lauren Alaina. The youth was Scotty McCreery, and his much anticipated debut Clear As Day promptly topped both the Billboard Country Album Charts, and the all genre Billboard 200 Chart. Scotty has since earned two gold albums, and several top ten singles as well as the 2011 ACM New Artist of The Year Award.
Scotty has never shied away about sharing his faith. In an interview with Deseret News, the artist said he likes to sing about things that have more meaning to him. Fans don't expect to see him twerking, and or singing about hot girls in a truck or getting drunk at a bar because he doesn't drink. Scotty went on to further explain that he grew up listening to old school country, and that his values are reflected in his music. Here is Scotty's favorite bible verse.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Joe made quite a splash in 2002 with Brokenheartsville, his first number one single. The early 2000s were not exactly a bastion era for traditional leaning country music, so Joe was a welcome surprise. The Arkansas native had a hot streak of about eighteen top 40 hits through 2014, but his life was a rollercoaster ride. In 2007, Joe married the love of his life, but his addiction to alcohol, and drugs, and unfortunate past abuse from his father could have kept him from the amazing family, and life he enjoys today.
Joe checked in to rehab, and slowly, but surely started working on himself. Fast forward to 2022, Joe scored his first top twenty hit since 2014 With A Good Day For Living. The song encapsulates what a great life it is now sober, and successful in his career, and life. Overall, Joe has earned one platinum, and five gold records.
In 2003, he won the Country Music Association's New Artist of The Year award. There are two bible verses in particular that hold an important place for Joe. One is tattooed on his right arm, and the other is on his left, and they are as follows:
On his right arm
Psalm 91, here is the chapter-
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a] 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
On his left arm
Isaiah 11:11, here is the entire verse.
Joe Explains that sometimes he feels like a remnant and when God reaches out he is made whole again.
Around 2010, I remember a song released by Tim McGraw titled Still.
The song was about finding time, and space to unplug from the world.
According to the song, you can just close your eyes, and go to one of your favorite places in your mind like the time at the beach or to God's house.
Lee Brice, the songwriter of Still said the song was centered around one of his favorite bible verses in the book of Psalm. The much awarded artist has earned fifteen platinum certifications,and eight number one singles. His own career is busy enough, and then add producing, writing, and mentoring other artists, and well you get the picture.
Lee shared that as time goes by, the demands grow with every success.
Their is peace in knowing that he can be Still and find that special inner place. Here's the Bible verse that through the years has become even more important to him:
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Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Recently Pocket Change, a song Mr. Brice co-wrote with Billy Montana, and Adam Wood was nominated for an Emmy. The 50th Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards” will Be Broadcast Friday, June 16 On CBS
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