Bradley Walker and Gaither Music deliver a powerful and moving rendition of ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ live from The Barn at Sycamore Farms in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s a beautiful old hymn done wonderfully well.

Bill Gaither leads the choir of voices, and there are many in the large space. Several with microphones are scattered among the group, which may be close to 200 Christian brothers and sisters. We see faces filled with emotion. Some smile and others are somber, but all know the price that Jesus paid for us. And all know the words of this timeless hymn, written by George Bennard in 1912.   

Bradley Walker begins singing at 1:50, and his solo is perfect from the first note. His incredible voice combined with his heartfelt expression of the lyrics ,causes chills and gives goosebumps! His fellow musicians delight in and savor each precious word he sings. 

Born in 1978 in Alabama, Mr. Walker is well known in country and gospel music circles. He’s recorded alongside top names in country, gospel, and bluegrass, including: The Oak Ridge Boys, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs, and more. 

At 2:30, Bradley gets a round of applause and he is joined again by the group to sing the chorus. With great reverence, the ladies and gentlemen close their eyes, look toward Heaven, and rock with the music. Some are teary-eyed. 

Here is the moving and memorable chorus from ‘The Old Rugged Cross:’

‘So I’ll cherish the old rugged Cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it someday for a crown’

When Mr. Walker sings the perfect final note, he holds the word “crown” for a nice, long time. He gets another big hand, but his expression reveals that he is a humble man of faith. 

Life is short, but for those who believe in Jesus, he’s paid the price and given us a nice, long future in eternity! 

“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27