LCtoday Readers Just Crowned the Greatest Gospel Songs Ever — See Which Ones Made the List
When we asked y’all to name the greatest gospel song ever written, the responses came in by the dozens. Some songs took us straight back to old wooden pews and red hymnals, others reminded us of tent revivals, funerals, and Sunday drives with the radio cranked up. Here’s the Top 10, straight from our community, with the stories behind the songs that shaped generations.
10. "Beulah Land" – Squire Parsons
Squire Parsons first scribbled this song down in 1973, inspired by thoughts of heaven. He tucked it away and didn’t finish it until years later—almost as an afterthought. But when it finally made it onto an album, it took off and became his signature song, even winning Gospel Song of the Year in 1981 (Southern Gospel History).
9. "Because He Lives" – Bill Gaither
Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote this hopeful anthem in 1971, during a time of personal and cultural turmoil. Holding their newborn son, they found renewed hope and penned the lyrics: “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.” It quickly became a staple of funerals, Easter services, and moments of reassurance (Gaither Music).
8. "It Is Well With My Soul" – Horatio Spafford
This hymn was born out of deep sorrow. After losing his daughters in a shipwreck, Horatio Spafford traveled across the Atlantic and, when passing near the place they died, wrote the words “It is well with my soul.” A timeless testimony to faith in the darkest of hours (Christianity Today).
7. "Victory in Jesus" – Eugene Bartlett
Written in 1939, Bartlett crafted this hymn as a joyful declaration of salvation. Even as his health declined, he poured his heart into lyrics about victory in Christ. Its upbeat chorus has echoed through revivals and church services ever since (Hymnology Archive).
6. "The Old Rugged Cross" – George Bennard
George Bennard wrote this in 1912 after meditating on the meaning of the cross during a season of trial. He first performed it in a revival meeting in Michigan, and it quickly spread, becoming one of the most beloved hymns of the 20th century (UMC Discipleship).
5. "I Can Only Imagine" – MercyMe
Bart Millard of MercyMe wrote this modern classic after imagining what it would be like to stand before Jesus in heaven. Released in 1999, it became a crossover hit—topping not only Christian charts but also mainstream radio. Today, it’s one of the most well-known Christian songs worldwide (Billboard).
4. "How Great Thou Art" – Carl Boberg / Stuart Hine
This hymn began as a Swedish poem in 1885 by Carl Boberg. It made its way across Europe, was translated into Russian, and eventually into English by Stuart Hine in the 1930s, who added his own verses while serving as a missionary. Elvis Presley’s rendition helped cement it as one of the most beloved hymns in history (Hymnology Archive).
3. "What a Day That Will Be" – Jim Hill
Jim Hill wrote this song after a grueling day of work, scribbling the words on a piece of cardboard. Inspired by his mother-in-law’s illness, he wanted to express hope for the day when suffering would be no more. That simple beginning turned into a gospel favorite still sung at homecomings and funerals today (SG History).
✨ Honorable Mentions: Way Maker, Go Rest High on That Mountain, Goodness of God, I’ll Fly Away, Power in the Blood, The Lighthouse, Blessed Assurance.
2. "Amazing Grace" – John Newton
Written in 1772 by John Newton, a former slave trader turned preacher, “Amazing Grace” was first shared as part of a New Year’s Day sermon. His personal journey from brokenness to redemption is what gives the hymn its enduring power. Today, it’s sung at everything from church services to national memorials (OCP).
1. "How Great Thou Art" – Stuart Hine (English adaptation)
Neck-and-neck with Amazing Grace, this song of awe and reverence has been sung by choirs, soloists, and congregations across the world. It continues to inspire with its reminder of God’s majesty in creation and salvation (Hymnology Archive).
📖 What do you think — did your favorite make the list? Or is the greatest gospel song still waiting to be written?
