I'm very pleased to listen to these songs, and I've especially loved "It was Jesus". The voice of Johnny Cash is uncomparable, and a great faith springs out of his interpretation, in spite of his trouble. Jesus bless you, Johnny, and may your sing be a way to lead people to Him.

This CD came out in 1992. It is a compilation of the entire first and second Gospel albums by Johnny Cash: HYMNS BY JOHNNY CASH and HYMNS FROM THE HEART!

This album is very quiet, easy listening. I like it for quiet Sunday afternoons. These are standard musical arrangements in a mid-1950's style, but the songs are very mellow, calm, and filled with great lyrics about the Christian life, as well as many references to Bible verses and stories!

Don't expect the groundbreaking style of the Johnny Cash smash hits that he is most famous for, though! These songs are pretty much in the conventional, standard music industry sound before the birth of rock-n-roll. This is a bit of a throwback in musical styling, but it is also a sincere, heartfelt presentation of songs and Christian values that Johnny Cash loved and respected since his childhood, and through his entire life.

The CD booklet is b/w and pretty barebones. There is a short essay about the albums, which is interesting, but very little photography, only one photo on the cover and one other photo inside.

This is great to listen to because it is two albums on one CD, so you get nearly one hour of laid back Gospel tunes, which I really enjoy!

The first dozen songs, the entire HYMNS BY JOHNNY CASH album, has been re-mastered and re-released in 2002, tens years after THE GOSPEL COLLECTION came out. This re-mastered HYMNS BY JOHNNY CASH sounds cleaner, clearer and louder than the 1992 release, and it comes with a nice CD booklet full of many b/w photos and lots of text about the recording sessions. This is a great purchase, too, but if I had to pick only one, I would get THE GOSPEL COLLECTION first, since you get TWO albums, (and the HYMNS FROM THE HEART album songs are only available on this CD, as far as I know).

Should you ever find yourself down or dispirited, I heartily recommend that you put this CD into your player. "These things shall pass" is the best recommendation for anyone afflicted by the temporary downturns of life.

Overall, it's a melodious and highly addictive record. I recall playing it at work and one of my co-workers, after initially making fun of me, requested that I replay it many times. We even used to sing "I've got shoes" together. That was his favorite song. It's a joyous endeavor and will be pleasing even for those whom the lyrics have no meaning.

Hi Johnny and June, God bless you in all that you do for the Saviour. My husband and I have been great followers of your music since Sun record in the 50's. We love all of your music. Sorry about your health but pray that God will touch you in very special ways.

Johnny sings with conviction on this recording. There's some great songs here, a few maudlin tunes and arrangements, but if you like Country Gospel, this is definitely worth a listen. Nobody but Johnny Cash could sing these songs and deliver their essential truth. I play this old gem when life seems dark, and it helps.