<P> Thompson was a member of the Churches of Christ, where several of his hymns and gospel songs continue in use . "Softly and Tenderly" is the most widely known of his compositions and has circulated far beyond its origins in the American Restoration Movement . It is among the most prolifically translated gospel songs and has spread appealingly into the repertoire of various fellowships of Christendom . </P> <P> Featured in the film Urban Cowboy at Bud's (John Travolta's character) uncle's funeral . </P> <P> The film The Trip to Bountiful makes recurrent use of the song, particularly a recording of it by Cynthia Clawson . </P> <P> Amy Grant recorded a version of the song which appears on her 2002 studio album Legacy...Hymns and Faith, and later on her 2015 compilation album Be Still and Know...Hymns & Faith . </P>

Who sang softly and tenderly in trip to bountiful