Introduction:
“Family Bible,” a poignant gospel song, was notably covered by country music star Ricky Van Shelton. His rendition was released in 1992 and is a featured track on his album, Don’t Overlook Salvation. This album, released on April 28, 1992, marked a significant departure for Shelton, as it was his first full-length venture into gospel music. Prior to this, he was predominantly known for his mainstream country hits, and this album served as a testament to his personal faith and musical roots.
While “Family Bible” itself, originally written by Walt Breeland, Claude Gray, and Paul Buskirk, has a long and storied history in country and gospel music, Ricky Van Shelton’s version brought it to a wider audience within the country music sphere, albeit within the context of a gospel album. Unlike many of his previous singles that topped the country charts, “Family Bible” was not released as a commercial single and therefore did not chart on the mainstream Billboard Hot Country Songs. However, Don’t Overlook Salvation, the album it belongs to, found success on the Christian albums charts, demonstrating the appeal of Shelton’s spiritual offerings to his fanbase and beyond. The album’s success highlighted the enduring connection between country music and gospel traditions, and Shelton’s heartfelt delivery resonated with listeners seeking faith-based music. His rendition of “Family Bible” is celebrated for its sincerity and the warm, traditional country sound that characterized much of his earlier work, seamlessly blending his established style with the timeless message of the hymn. It remains a cherished piece in his discography for fans who appreciate his dedication to both country and gospel genres.