How Great Thou Art (Elvis Presley album)

Lore & 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.

Reader's Guide

How Great Thou Art holds a significant place in Elvis Presley's career as his first non-soundtrack album in over two years, recorded during a period when his film earnings were declining. It marked his first collaboration with producer Felton Jarvis and reaffirmed his commitment to gospel music, a genre that brought him his only competitive Grammy wins during his lifetime. The album's success—both commercially and critically—demonstrated that Presley's audience remained engaged with his sacred recordings even as his movie career waned. The title track became a staple of his live performances, and its 1974 live version earned another Grammy, underscoring the enduring power of the song in his repertoire. The album's multiple platinum certifications reflect its lasting appeal, and its inclusion of 'Crying in the Chapel' as a bonus track connected it to one of his biggest singles of the decade. Critics at the time praised the album, with Rolling Stone Album Guide later awarding it five stars, noting the 'splendid' vocal support. How Great Thou Art thus stands as a testament to Presley's roots in gospel music and his ability to produce spiritually resonant work that transcended the commercial pressures of his film career.