JESUS IS JUST ALRIGHT (The Byrds)
“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. The Byrds’ version of “Jesus Is Just Alright” was recorded on June 17, 1969 during the sessions for the band’s eighth studio album, Ballad of Easy Rider. It was subsequently issued as a single on December 15, 1969. The single stalled at No. 97 on the Billboard Hot 100 and failed to chart in the United Kingdom. Despite this lack of commercial success, The Doobie Brothers’ later hit version of the song featured an arrangement that was heavily influenced by The Byrds’ own recording. (More from Wikipedia)
I always thought that “Jesus is Just Alright” was their first hit song, but it was actually the third single released by the Doobie Brothers (in late 1972), after “Listen to the Music”. Among rock bands, the Byrds actually recorded “Jesus is Just Alright” first, including it on their 1969 album, Ballad of Easy Rider.
(July 2014)
