Country music legend John Anderson was a man of God, and he was proud to share that side of himself with fans.
The “Swingin'” hitmaker’s final studio album ever, Years, arrived in April of 2020. He leaned hard into his faith on the project.
At the time, the global COVID-19 pandemic was rapidly changing the landscape in the entertainment world, but Anderson was on the better side of some health issues he’d been battling.
He’d overcome a suspected brain tumor (it was benign), heart issues, and dying three times on an operating table.
He lost most of his hearing as a result of his health problems, but was feeling optimistic.
“I did a whole lot of praying, and the good Lord saw fit to it that I get better, and even get my hearing back to the point where I thought, ‘Man, maybe I can play and sing again,'” he told Taste of Country in a 2020 interview.
The title track, as well as “I’m Still Hanging On,” “Celebrate,” and “You’re Nearly Nothing,” reflect his devotion to the Lord.
“I hope that some of these songs may touch people however they may, and I hope that’s a good thing,” he remarked in that interview.
Anderson was supposed to take his new songs on the road as a featured artist on Blake Shelton‘s 2020 Heroes & Friends Tour, but COVID put a stop to it. He wasn’t dispirited, however.
“It’s just the way it is, and I have a whole lotta faith in the Lord, and I believe everything’s going to be all right,” he said. “We’ll deal with it. And if we’re not here to deal with it, that’s probably okay, too.”
Anderson charted five No. 1 singles during his nearly 50-year career: “Swingin’,” “Black Sheep,” “Wild and Blue,” “Money in the Bank,” and “Straight Tequila Night.” The country hitmaker died in his sleep on Oct. 21, 2026. He was 71 years old.