How Great Thou Art (Elvis Presley album)

Background

By the mid-1960s, Presley's film career was declining, but his 1960 gospel album His Hand in Mine continued to sell well, and his 1965 single 'Crying in the Chapel'—a leftover from those sessions—became an unexpected major hit. RCA accepted Presley's proposal for a follow-up gospel album, marking his first non-soundtrack album in over two years. The tracks were recorded in May 1966, produced by Felton Jarvis, with accompaniment by the Imperials and the Jordanaires.

Presley prepared his voice at Graceland with Charlie Hodge and Sonny West. He requested singer Jimmy Jones, but Jones could not be located. The Imperials, led by Jake Hess, were hired. The Jordanaires member Ray Walker suggested Presley record 'How Great Thou Art' based on the success of George Beverly Shea's recording; Presley's assistant Charlie Hodge claimed Presley decided to record it after hearing a version by the Sons of the Pioneers. The recording sessions took place over three nights in May 1966, with Presley often requiring multiple takes. After the final take of the title track, Presley was reportedly 'drained' and 'almost fainted.' The album cover features the church and steeple of the First Church of Christ of Sandwich, Massachusetts.

Released in February 1967, the album was promoted with a radio special on Palm Sunday that aired on 276 stations. It was certified gold by the RIAA in February 1968. At the 10th Annual Grammy Awards in March 1968, it won Best Sacred Performance, Presley's first Grammy win. The title track became part of his concert repertoire, and a 1974 live performance also won a Grammy in the same category. The album's certification was updated to platinum in 1992 and to 3× Platinum in 2010.