The Land of Many Churches

Amazon.com
Merle Haggard's determination and dedication is of legendary proportions. For example, he obsessively learned to play the fiddle in order to record his Bob Wills tribute. So, whereas most country artists would spend a couple of hours in a studio to pump out a gospel record, Merle Haggard recorded his gospel record in four different churches--two in Tennessee and two in California (including the San Quentin Chapel)--in front of live congregations at the "worship hour" and including the words of various chaplains. The material ranges from age-old standards to more recent compositions by Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, and Red Foley. Merle's Strangers and the Carter Family lend support behind Haggard's eminently sincere readings. --Marc Greilsamer

The Land of Many Churches,Merle Haggard & the Strangers,Razor & Tie,Bakersfield Sound,Country,Country & Western,Country Gospel,Pop,Traditional Country

Average customer rating: A raw, real country gospel record Want to order CD A Classic A GOSPEL CLASSIC BY A COUNTRY LEGEND

The Land of Many Churches Merle Haggard & the Strangers Manufacturer: Razor & Tie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Country Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: A Tribute to the Best Damn Fiddle Player in the World/It's All in the Movies What a Friend We Have in Jesus Same Train, Different Time Award Winning Gospel Hits Serving 190 Proof ASIN: B000002ZBW Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

1. Introduction/We'll Understand It By And By - Merle Haggard & The Carter Family
2. Take My Hand, Precious Lord/Jesus Hold My Hand - Merle Haggard & The Carter Family
3. Precious Memories - Merle Haggard & The Carter Family
4. History Of Big Creek Baptist Church - Merle Haggard & The Carter Family
5. Turn Your Radio On - Merle Haggard & The Carter Family
6. If We Never Meet Again - Merle Haggard & The Carter Family
7. Closing Prayer/Just As I Am - Merle Haggard & The Carter Family
8. Introduction & Opening Prayer - Merle Haggard & The Strangers
9. Amazing Grace - Merle Haggard & The Strangers
10. Where Could I Go? - Merle Haggard & The Strangers
11. Old Time Religion/Pass Me Not/Sweet By And By - Merle Haggard & The Strangers
12. The Old Rugged Cross - Merle Haggard & The Strangers
13. Closing Prayer - Merle Haggard & The Strangers
14. Introduction - Merle Haggard & The Carter Family
15. Life's Railway To Heaven - Merle Haggard & The Carter Family
16. On The Jericho Road - Merle Haggard & The Carter Family
17. Steal Away - Merle Haggard & The Carter Family
18. I Saw The Light - Merle Haggard & The Carter Family
19. Introduction/Leaning On The Everlasting Arms - Merle Haggard & The Strangers
20. Guide Me, Lord - Merle Haggard & The Strangers
21. The Family Bible - Merle Haggard & The Strangers
22. I'll Be List'ning - Merle Haggard & The Strangers
23. Just A Closer Walk With Thee - Merle Haggard & The Strangers
24. Closing Prayer - Merle Haggard & The Strangers

Amazon.com

Merle Haggard's determination and dedication is of legendary proportions. For example, he obsessively learned to play the fiddle in order to record his Bob Wills tribute. So, whereas most country artists would spend a couple of hours in a studio to pump out a gospel record, Merle Haggard recorded his gospel record in four different churches--two in Tennessee and two in California (including the San Quentin Chapel)--in front of live congregations at the "worship hour" and including the words of various chaplains. The material ranges from age-old standards to more recent compositions by Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, and Red Foley. Merle's Strangers and the Carter Family lend support behind Haggard's eminently sincere readings. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

A raw, real country gospel record.......2004-12-27

Wow... Merle really gets about as far down into the real Baptist church bedrock as you can get on this stark gospel set, recorded at the height of his fame in the early 1970s. He sings at two churches, in a prison and at a rescue mission in Nashville itself, accompanied on some tracks by the remnants of the Carter Family (Anita, Helen and Maybelle), and by the church congregations as well... In addition, there are several bit of sermons and sermon-like introductions by various pastors... This disc has a level of religious authenticity that you don't often hear on country records, particularly ones by big, famous stars. Might be a bit much for the casual listener, but gospel fans will really be impressed by the apparent depth of Merle's convictions.

Want to order CD.......2003-08-16

I played organ on this album when it was cut in our church. I heard there was a CD out. I would like to find out where I can purchase a copy. My husband was pastor of Big Creek Church at the time.

A Classic.......2001-05-28

I bought this album when it was first released in 1972, have been listening to it for almost 30 years, and still love it.

A GOSPEL CLASSIC BY A COUNTRY LEGEND.......1998-12-20

If you love country music you should love this excellent gospel album by Merel Haggard. Haggard sings some of the great gospel songs of the Church. This album shows a side of Merel Haggard that many have never saw. This is a from the heart moving Country Gospel performance sure to even be enjoyed by those who may have never cared much for gospel music in the past. If you buy only one country gospel album this year, this would be a great one.

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