Singing It To Perfection, His Version Of “Old Rugged Cross” Is Spine Tingling. – Through modern technology, the same man recorded all four parts separately, then put this stunning rendition of the “Old Rugged Cross” together. Kaoma Chende now lives in Michigan but is originally from Zambia, and has done a beautiful job with this beloved classic hymn originally written in 1912 by Goerge Bennard. It has been a gospel favorite sun by some of the world’s most famous recording artists. What a beautiful rendition of a wondrous hymn!