Carrie Underwood Delivers a Stunning Performance of a Cherished Hymn Once Sung by Randy Travis
Most people receive gifts on their birthdays—but on her 38th in 2021, Carrie Underwood flipped the script and gave her fans a gift: her moving rendition of the classic hymn “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus.”
Originally penned in 1876 by Robert Lowry, a Baptist minister and professor at Bucknell University, this timeless hymn has touched hearts for generations. It’s been interpreted by many artists over the years, with country icon Randy Travis being one of the most memorable. His version appeared on his 2005 gospel album Glory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship, and Praise, where it stood proudly as the sixth track in a 19-song collection.
A Special Connection Between Two Country Voices
Carrie has long cited Randy Travis as one of her musical inspirations. Back in 2007, she recorded his hit “I Told You So” for her album Carnival Ride. That connection deepened in 2009, when the two came together to release a duet version of the same song.
Now, Carrie honored him once again by performing “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus”—a hymn Travis had brought to life years earlier.
Go Behind the Scenes of Carrie’s Recording
#NothingButTheBloodOfJesus is my birthday gift to YOU! Thanks to Bear Rinehart of @NEEDTOBREATHE for harmonizing with me! #MySavior ✨🙏 https://t.co/pmekewvnZG pic.twitter.com/m9RYR7S9rX
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) March 10, 2021
When Carrie unveiled her take on the hymn, she didn’t just drop the track—she gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at the recording process. The video revealed that she was joined in the studio by Bear Rinehart, lead singer of the Christian rock group NEEDTOBREATHE, who contributed beautiful backing vocals.
Her heartfelt rendition offered a preview of her gospel album My Savior, which debuted just in time for Easter on March 26, 2021—and later earned a Grammy Award.
You can watch Carrie’s stirring performance of “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus” in the video below.