About The Song
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”: Alan Jackson’s Gentle Offering of Comfort and Faith
With his signature calm and sincerity, Alan Jackson brings a deep sense of peace to the beloved hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” featured on his 2006 gospel album Precious Memories. Originally penned in the 19th century by Joseph M. Scriven (lyrics) and Charles C. Converse (music), the hymn has long been a sanctuary for those seeking hope, consolation, and a reminder of divine friendship in times of trouble. In Alan’s version, it becomes even more personal—a soft-spoken prayer wrapped in melody.
From the first note, the arrangement is understated and tender. A gentle acoustic guitar, light piano, and subdued harmony create a musical setting that feels like a quiet country chapel. There is no dramatic build-up, no orchestral sweep—just the steady, humble voice of a man grounded in faith, singing with conviction and respect.
Alan Jackson doesn’t reinterpret the hymn; he honors it. His delivery is calm, heartfelt, and familiar, as if he’s singing it from the front pew of a small hometown church—perhaps the very kind he grew up attending in Georgia. He doesn’t try to impress. He simply lets the words do their work:
“What a friend we have in Jesus / All our sins and griefs to bear…”
There’s a gentle vulnerability in his voice as he moves through the verses, offering listeners reassurance rather than performance. That’s what makes this version so impactful: it’s not just music—it’s ministry. A reminder that no matter how heavy life becomes, there is comfort in prayer, and strength in the idea that we are never truly alone.
Like the rest of the Precious Memories album, this track was born not out of commercial ambition, but personal devotion. Jackson originally recorded the album as a gift to his mother, Ruth, and its quiet sincerity resonated so deeply that it quickly became a chart-topping success. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” became one of the album’s most cherished tracks, offering solace to listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
Today, Alan Jackson’s version continues to be played in church services, hospital rooms, and quiet moments of reflection, reminding us that sometimes the most powerful songs are not the loudest—but the truest.
In “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” Alan Jackson doesn’t just sing a hymn—he shares his faith. And in doing so, he gently invites the listener to lean into grace, comfort, and the enduring strength of a faithful friend.