The album Johnny Cash came to Columbia to record, when Sam Philips wouldn't let him record a gospel album for Sun Records.

Reissue history for Hymns By Johnny Cash:

1. Reissued on CD by Bear Family Records on "The Man In Black 1954-1958" and "The Man In Black 1958-62".

2. Reissued on CD by Columbia/Legacy as "The Gospel Collection" (CK 48952) paired with Cash's second gospel album "Hymns From The Heart".

3. Reissued on CD by Columbia/Legacy in 2002 to celebrate Cash's 70th Birthday. This edition includes a bonus track in the alternate mono mix of It Was Jesus previous released on Columbia EP 12841.