‘Personal Jesus’ by Johnny Cash Rises on Billboard Charts Following Super Bowl Commercial Push
After Johnny Cash’s rendition of “Personal Jesus” featured in a Super Bowl advertisement, the song experienced a significant surge in popularity, reaching number two on Billboard’s Rock Digital Song Sales chart. This marked Cash’s debut in the Country Digital Song Sales top 10, with a remarkable 22,000% increase in downloads, totaling 1,700 units.
The Billboard charts use a combination of sales data, streaming numbers, and radio airplay to track the performance of songs, highlighting how older tracks can compete with contemporary hits in the music industry. The touching “Personal Jesus” resurgence was sparked by the nonprofit Come Near, He Gets Us Super Bowl ad, catapulting the 2002 released track from “American IV: The Man Comes Around” onto the charts, where it remained on the Billboard 200 for an impressive 62 consecutive weeks.
This recent accomplishment surpasses Cash’s previous chart successes, such as his poignant cover of “Hurt,” which reached number nine on the Rock Digital Song Sales chart in 2016 and peaked at number 11 on the Country Digital Song Sales chart. Despite his passing two decades ago, Johnny Cash, known as the Man in Black, continues to captivate audiences with his music. “American IV” originally reached number 22 on the charts in 2003, but posthumously, “American V: A Hundred Highways” climbed to the number one spot on the Billboard 200 three years later after its release.
Cash strategically selected “Personal Jesus” as the lead single for his fourth American album, which ultimately became his final complete work before his passing in September 2003. Through various advertisements, movies, and television shows, Cash’s musical legacy endures, resonating with new generations of listeners who appreciate his authentic and timeless sound.
The enduring appeal of Johnny Cash’s music lies in its ability to connect with listeners, both old and new. Despite the passage of time, his songs continue to garner admiration and appreciation, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the realm of country and rock music. It is a testament to Cash’s artistry and enduring legacy that his music remains relevant and continues to touch the hearts of audiences across the globe.