Country Icons ALABAMA and The Oak Ridge Boys Record Together for the First Time on “Jesus and John Wayne”
In a historic moment for country music, legendary groups ALABAMA and The Oak Ridge Boys have officially recorded together in-studio for the first time ever. Their collaborative single, “Jesus and John Wayne,” is a heartfelt tribute to the gospel music’s renowned husband-and-wife songwriting duo, Bill and Gloria Gaither. The song was released to radio today, with adds beginning on August 28.
“It was a fun song to record,” shared ALABAMA’s Randy Owen. “Our version with The Oaks singing harmony with us gives this song a strong message.”
Written by Benjamin Gaither, Bill Gaither, Gloria Gaither, and Kim Williams, “Jesus and John Wayne” tells the relatable story of a young man navigating life, striving to embody the balance between a rugged, principled cowboy and a devout individual.
“It was an honor to get invited to do a song on Bill and Gloria’s tribute project, especially on such a cool song,” added ALABAMA’s Teddy Gentry. “And double-fun to have our Hall of Fame brothers, the fabulous Oak Ridge Boys, join us for the first time on a song!”
The excitement of this unprecedented collaboration is a mutual sentiment between both iconic bands.
“It was so exciting to record with ALABAMA,” shared Duane Allen of The Oak Ridge Boys. “We have all grown up together in the music business and they are some of our very best friends. To record ‘Jesus and John Wayne’ with ALABAMA, a song written by Bill and Gloria Gaither, is a perfect way to combine the voices and careers of both groups and the writers of this song. We all grew up loving Jesus, and as little boys (we are still little boys at heart!), we also loved John Wayne. I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed singing with ALABAMA.”
A Tribute to Gospel Legends Bill and Gloria Gaither
The historic pairing on “Jesus and John Wayne” serves as the first radio single from the upcoming album, Gaither Tribute, Honoring the Songs of Bill & Gloria Gaither, set to be released on August 25 via Gaither Music Group (distributed by Capitol Christian Music Group and Universal Music).
Gospel music icons and ASCAP’s Christian Songwriters of the Century, Bill and Gloria Gaither, have been crafting masterpieces since they met over 60 years ago. Their prolific collaborations have resulted in more than 700 popular gospel songs, including hymnal standards like “Because He Lives” and “He Touched Me.” Collectively, they have garnered eight GRAMMY Awards and more than a dozen nominations, alongside over two dozen Gospel Music Association (GMA) DOVE Awards, earning the prestigious title of “Songwriter of the Year” eight times.
This collaboration is a testament to the enduring influence of the Gaithers’ songwriting and the lasting camaraderie between two of country music’s most beloved groups.