The song "It Is No Secret What God Can Do" was written by American singing cowboy and radio personality Stuart Hamblen in 1950, inspired by a spiritual conversation with his friend, the actor John Wayne, following Hamblen's religious conversion.
The Story Behind the Song
Stuart Hamblen was a popular but troubled star in the 1940s and 50s, known for his "singing cowboy" persona on the radio and appearances in Western films. He struggled with alcoholism and gambling, often landing in jail, with his radio sponsors frequently bailing him out.
His life changed dramatically in 1949 when his wife persuaded him to attend an evangelistic crusade led by a young Billy Graham in Los Angeles. Hamblen was deeply affected by the message and met with Graham the next morning, ultimately surrendering his life to Christ. His conversion was a radical transformation; he was later fired from his radio job because he refused to do alcohol commercials.
Shortly after his conversion, Hamblen was with his friend John Wayne, who offered him a drink. Hamblen refused, and when Wayne asked how he could give it up so easily, Hamblen replied, "It is no secret what God can do". Impressed by the phrase, John Wayne suggested that Hamblen write a song with that title.
Hamblen took the advice. He went home that night, and as his hall clock chimed the hour of midnight, he sat down at his organ and began writing. He completed the song in just 17 minutes, a process he felt was divinely inspired.
Legacy
Released in 1951, "It Is No Secret" became the first song to reach number one on the Gospel, Country, and Pop music charts simultaneously. It has since been recorded by numerous famous artists including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Rosemary Clooney, and Jim Reeves.
The original manuscript of the song is reportedly buried in the cornerstone of the Library of Congress Copyright Building, a testament to its enduring impact.
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Jim Reeves - It is No Secret (What God Can Do)
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