Introduction
While the Statler Brothers brought “I’ll Fly Away” to wider audiences, the song’s roots dig deep into the fertile ground of American gospel music. The man who planted the seed was Albert E. Brumley, a prolific songwriter who penned over 600 gospel tunes in the 20th century.
Inspiration struck Brumley in 1929 while he toiled in a cotton field on his Oklahoma farm. Humming a secular ballad about a prisoner yearning for freedom with wings, Brumley saw the potential for a powerful gospel metaphor. “I’ll Fly Away” was born, published a few years later, and began its journey towards becoming one of the most recorded gospel songs ever.
The song’s early flights weren’t with the Statlers. Recordings by the Selah Jubilee Singers (1941) and the Chuck Wagon Gang (1949) helped propel “I’ll Fly Away” into the public consciousness. The Chuck Wagon Gang’s version, with over a million copies sold, was a particular milestone.
The Statler Brothers’ rendition, likely recorded in the 1960s or 70s, brought a smoother, more contemporary country gospel sound to the song. Their rich harmonies and signature style resonated with a wider audience, solidifying “I’ll Fly Away” as a staple in the American musical landscape.
So when you hear the opening chords of “I’ll Fly Away,” remember the long journey it’s taken. From a cotton field in Oklahoma to a beloved gospel standard, the song continues to inspire hope and a yearning for a brighter future.