Introduction
How Great Thou Art: A Song of Praise Through the Ages
The Statler Brothers’ rendition of “How Great Thou Art” on The Johnny Cash Show in 1971 resonates with a rich history of faith and musical expression. While their performance brings a heartfelt country gospel touch, the song’s origins travel back much further, traversing continents and denominations.
The foundation of “How Great Thou Art” lies in a Swedish hymn, “O Store Gud,” written by Carl Boberg in 1885. Boberg, a pastor, penned the lyrics inspired by the grandeur of nature and the vastness of the universe. However, it wasn’t until missionary Stuart K. Hine came across the hymn decades later that it truly found its global voice.
Hine, deeply moved by the message, translated “O Store Gud” into English in 1940. He titled it “How Great Thou Art” and incorporated additional verses referencing biblical passages that spoke to God’s power, love, and redemptive qualities. This new version resonated with congregations worldwide, transcending language and cultural barriers.
The song’s embrace by American audiences can be partly attributed to singer and evangelist Maude Aimee McPherson. She introduced “How Great Thou Art” during her highly popular revival meetings in the 1920s. From there, it continued to gain momentum, finding its way into hymnals across various denominations and becoming a staple of gospel music.
By the 1970s, when The Statler Brothers performed it on The Johnny Cash Show, “How Great Thou Art” was already a beloved classic. Cash, known for his strong Christian faith and association with gospel music, provided the perfect platform for the Statlers’ sincere performance. Their rich harmonies and heartfelt delivery captured the essence of the song’s enduring message: a profound expression of awe and gratitude for the divine.
The Statler Brothers’ rendition on The Johnny Cash Show serves as a testament to the enduring power of “How Great Thou Art.” It’s a song that transcends time and genre, a powerful ballad that continues to inspire and uplift listeners across generations.