You probably remember the long beards and the duck calls, but for a lot of people, the Robertson family's real legacy isn't just about hunting. It’s about the music. Specifically, that one performance by Reed Robertson that seems to pop up on every "faith-inspired" playlist: the medley of Washed by the Water and Nothing But the Blood.
It’s a weirdly powerful track. Honestly, it’s one of those songs that feels like it was recorded in a small-town church on a Sunday morning, yet it has the production value of a Nashville studio. If you've ever found yourself humming that specific melody or wondering where it actually came from, you're not alone.
The Origins of The Crimson Gospel
Reed Robertson didn't just release this as a random YouTube cover. The song is a standout track from the 2017 album The Crimson Gospel.
Now, this wasn't a solo Reed project in the traditional sense. It was a massive collaborative effort involving his mom, Missy Robertson, and a whole crew of talented folks like Bradley Knight and Johnathan Crumpton. They basically wanted to tell the story of the Bible—from creation to the resurrection—using music.
Why this medley specifically?
Merging a modern Christian rock anthem like Washed by the Water (originally by NEEDTOBREATHE) with a classic, centuries-old hymn like Nothing But the Blood of Jesus was a bold move. It bridges a massive gap.
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On one hand, you have the raw, southern-rock energy of the Rinehart brothers. On the other, you have the theological weight of a hymn that has been sung by generations. Reed’s voice is the glue here. He’s got that soulful, slightly gravelly tone that makes the transition feel totally natural rather than forced.
People often forget how young Reed was when Duck Dynasty blew up. He was thrust into this weird global spotlight as a teenager. By the time he recorded Washed by the Water / Nothing But the Blood, he wasn't just "the kid from the TV show" anymore. He was an artist who had spent time in Nashville, worked with big-name producers like Buddy Cannon, and was trying to find his own lane.
Reed Robertson’s Journey Beyond Reality TV
Kinda crazy to think about, but Reed was actually a bit of a musical prodigy in the family. His dad, Jase, apparently pushed him to pick up the guitar, but Reed took it way further. He learned the piano, banjo, ukulele, and mandolin.
Before the Crimson Gospel project, he was already dipping his toes into the music world.
- He sang lead on "Camouflage and Christmas Lights" for the family's Duck the Halls album.
- He released his own EP in 2015 featuring original songs like "Catching Light."
- He even performed at the legendary Ryman Auditorium.
But Washed by the Water / Nothing But the Blood feels different than his pop-country attempts. It’s more permanent. It’s a performance that people still look for years later because it captures a specific kind of vulnerability.
The lyrics of Washed by the Water—written by Bear Rinehart about his father’s struggles with a church controversy—hit different when you hear a Robertson sing them. This is a family that has lived their entire lives under a microscope. They've dealt with public backlash, internal family drama, and the weirdness of being "famous for being themselves."
When Reed sings, "Even when the rain falls, even when the flood starts rising," it doesn't sound like he's just reading lines. It sounds like he knows what it feels like to have the water rising around you.
The Technical Side of the Medley
If you're into the nitty-gritty of how songs are put together, this medley is a masterclass in "build."
It starts out pretty stripped back. It focuses on that rhythmic, almost swampy beat that fits the Robertson brand so well. But then, as it moves into the hymn section, the arrangement opens up. The addition of the choir—courtesy of the Brentwood Benson team—turns it from a solo performance into a worship experience.
The arrangement was handled by Bradley Knight, who is basically a legend in the world of choral and worship music. He knew exactly how to take Reed’s voice and surround it with enough power to make the "Nothing But the Blood" section feel triumphant.
"What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus."
The transition happens almost seamlessly. You barely notice the tempo shift because the thematic connection is so strong. Both songs are essentially about the same thing: the idea that no matter how messy life gets, there is a source of cleansing and peace.
Where can you find it now?
Even though the album came out in 2017, the song is still widely available. You'll find it on:
- Apple Music & Spotify: Listed under The Crimson Gospel.
- YouTube: There is a live performance from the premiere at First Baptist Orlando that has a few million views.
- Shazam: It still cycles through the "Top Songs" for Reed Robertson quite often.
What Most People Get Wrong About Reed's Music
A common misconception is that the Robertsons just "bought" a music career for Reed because of the show's success.
That's honestly not the case. If you listen to the acoustic sessions he did with MusicRow back in 2015, you can hear that the kid has actual chops. He understands songwriting structure. He isn't just a face; he’s a musician who happened to be on a reality show.
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In fact, Reed has been pretty open about how the limelight was actually a struggle for him. He’s talked about the pressure and the spiritual journey he had to go through to find his own identity outside of the Duck Dynasty brand. This song feels like a part of that reclamation. It’s him leaning into his faith on his own terms.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
We live in a world that is obsessed with "authentic" content.
Most of what we see on social media is curated to death. But there’s something about a simple, powerful vocal performance of a hymn that cuts through the noise. Reed Robertson's Washed by the Water / Nothing But the Blood works because it doesn't try too hard. It’s not over-produced. It’s not trying to be a radio hit.
It’s just a guy singing about something he believes in.
If you're looking for something that feels grounded, or if you're just a fan of the Robertson family and missed this era of their career, it’s worth a revisit. It’s a reminder that even when the cameras stop rolling, the stories (and the songs) continue.
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Practical Next Steps:
- Listen to the full album: Don't just stick to the medley. The Crimson Gospel has some other hidden gems like "Sound of the Saints" which features Reed and his brother Cole.
- Check out the live version: Search for the First Baptist Orlando premiere video. Seeing the emotion on Reed's face during the performance adds a whole new layer to the song.
- Explore NEEDTOBREATHE: If you like the "Washed by the Water" portion, the original band has a massive catalog of similar southern-infused rock that’s definitely worth your time.