Introduction
The King and the Hymn: Elvis Presley’s “How Great Thou Art”
Elvis Presley’s rendition of “How Great Thou Art” transcends genres, becoming a gospel standard embraced by both religious and secular audiences. But the song’s journey began long before it reached the King’s powerful vocals.
The origins lie in a Swedish thunderstorm. In 1885, Carl Boberg, a pastor caught in a fierce storm, penned a poem expressing awe at the power of nature. Translated and adapted by others, it became “O Store Gud,” a popular Swedish hymn.
Across the Atlantic, the song found new life in the early 20th century. Stuart K. Hine, a British missionary, encountered “O Store Gud” and felt compelled to create an English version. Published in 1948 as “How Great Thou Art,” the hymn resonated with audiences, finding its way into hymnals worldwide.
The song’s path to Elvis’s grasp likely came through the hugely popular Billy Graham Crusades. Singer George Beverly Shea’s powerful performances of “How Great Thou Art” became synonymous with the events, further solidifying the hymn’s place in American consciousness.
According to the Jordanaires, Elvis’s backing vocal group, it was member Ray Walker who suggested the song. Inspired by Shea’s success and Elvis’s own deep faith, recording began in 1966. The resulting album, “How Great Thou Art,” showcased Elvis’s exceptional vocal range and heartfelt delivery.
Released in 1967, the album became a surprising hit, topping gospel charts and reaching the Billboard Top 20. More importantly, it earned Elvis his first Grammy Award for Best Sacred Performance. “How Great Thou Art” wasn’t just a gospel song by Elvis; it was a testament to his faith and a powerful exploration of universal themes of awe and gratitude.