Precious Memories

Alan Jackson, 47, originally put this project together to fulfill a long-standing personal request from his mother. "Every year or so my mother would say, `Well, when are you going to make a gospel album?  You make Christmas albums.  I know you can make a gospel album,' " explained Jackson.  "It was just a matter of finding the time and energy to do it."

Wanting to surprise her with a private recording gift for Christmas, Jackson put the CD together shortly before the holidays.  He sat with his wife, Denise, and together they pored over old hymnals, choosing gospel standards they had both sung in church as kids.  Jackson paid special attention to songs that were his mother's favorites.  Denise also suggested hymns that she knew her own mother would love.

A collection of Jackson's 15 most beloved hymns, these evergreens need little more than his warm, rich baritone and minimal instrumentation to shine like polished gemstones. Jackson and producer Stegall, a master of understatement, grasp the beauty and power of simplicity as acoustic guitar, piano, a touch of organ and sweet vocal harmony are the album's only embellishments.  Jackson’s wife and daughter join him on "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus".

Release Date:  February 28, 2006

Song List:
Blessed Assurance
Softly and Tenderly
I Love to Tell the Story
When We All Get to Heaven
'Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus
In the Garden
Are You Washed in the Blood?
I'll Fly Away
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Standing on the Promises
Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
The Old Rugged Cross
How Great Thou Art
I Want to Stroll over Heaven with You