“Jesus Is Just Alright“ is a gospel song written by Arthur Reid Reynolds….and first recorded by Reynolds’ own group, The Art Reynolds Singers, on their 1966 album, Tellin’ It Like It Is…..as the song’s title makes use of the American slang term “all-right”….which during the 1960’s was used to describe something that was considered ‘cool’ or very good. The song has been covered by a number of bands and artists over the years….which includes The Byrds, Underground Sunshine, The Doobie Brothers, Alexis Korner, The Ventures, DC Talk, Stryper, Shelagh McDonald, and Robert Randolph (featuring Eric Clapton).
The first cover version of the song was recorded by the Los Angeles band The Byrds on their 1969 album, Ballad of Easy Rider….and then the song was later recorded by The Doobie Brothers….who included it on their 1972 album, Toulouse Street…..when this version of the song was released as a single in November 1972….as it became a hit in the United States….while peaking at # 35 on the Billboard Hot 100….then in 1973, American rock band Exile released their self titled debut album which included a cover. In 1992, the Christian rock and hip hop group, DC Talk, released a version of “Jesus Is Just Alright” on their Free at Last album. The song has also been covered by Robert Randolph on his Colorblind album, with guest artist Eric Clapton….and Stryper’s 2013 release, No More Hell to Pay.
As seen in this video herewith….the Doobie Brothers perform “Jesus Is Just Alright” live on stage at their Farewell Concert in 1983.
