I'll Fly Away (hymn)

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"I'll Fly Away," written by Albert E. Brumley in 1929 [1], is a famous hymn most associated with American Baptists [2] and the Church of Christ. It is an optimistic song about an earthly death that leads to everlasting life in glory with Christ.

I'll Fly Away has been called the most recorded gospel music song [3], beginning with a recording by the Chuck Wagon Gang in 1948. The song has been covered by numerous singers, but usually associated with country or gospel music.

Performers who have recorded the hymn include:[4]

Alan Jackson (Precious Memories, 2006)
Brenda Lee (Sweet Nothings, 2002)
Tammy Wynette
Crystal Gayle
Ralph Stanley (Shine On, 2005)
Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch (O Brother, Where Art Thou?, 2000)
Kanye West (The College Dropout, 2004)
Johnny Cash (My Mother's Hymn Book, 2004)
Jars of Clay (Redemption Songs, 2005)
Hot 8 Brass Band (Rock With The Hot 8, 2005)
Andy Griffith (Somebody Bigger Than You and I)
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band (Funeral for a Friend, 2004)
The Word (The Word, 2001)

[edit] Trivia

The melody also occurs in Puff Daddy's rap elegy "I'll Be Missing You."
The television series I'll Fly Away was named for the hymn.
The song appears on the soundtrack of Spike Lee's film When the Levees Broke.
An episode of the popular TV Show The Waltons included Jason singing this song numerous times.