Album: Connie Smith Sings Great Sacred Songs

Introduction
"Connie Smith Sings Great Sacred Songs" is a 1966 album by American country music artist Connie Smith. Produced by Bob Ferguson and launched under the RCA Victor Records label, the album features twelve spiritual gospel tracks that display Smith's excellent vocal expertise. As her 3rd album, it continues to establish her dominance in the c and w scene of the mid-1960s.

Background
Born Constance June Meador, Connie Smith increased to prominence when she was discovered by nation legend Bill Anderson in 1963. He encouraged her to audition in Nashville and introduced her to Chet Atkins, who later on signed her to RCA Victor. Smith's debut single, "Once A Day", ended up being a massive hit, climbing to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and breaking records for the time. Her eponymous debut album was a fantastic success, followed by the similarly successful album, "Cute 'n' Country".

Buoyed by the success of her first 2 albums, Smith chose to release a religious-themed album. Gospel and spiritual tunes were close to her heart, as she often sang them in your home and in church in her early years. Working with relied on producer Bob Ferguson, Smith selected twelve tracks that display her psychological connection to the product, leaving a lasting influence on both the country and gospel music scenes.

Track Listing
The album opens with the traditional hymn "How Great Thou Art", highlighting Smith's capability to strike powerful high notes with ease. This is followed by "Peace in the Valley", a gospel timeless written by Thomas A. Dorsey in 1937, which showcases her abundant emotional expression. The album also features tracks such as "Whispering Hope", a solemn and mild tune, and "Abide With Me", which functions as a testimony to Smith's vocal control and clarity. Additional tracks consist of "In the Garden", "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere", "The Lily of the Valley", "Just Over Yonder", "Jesus Loves Me", "Wayfaring Pilgrim", "The Old Rugged Cross", and "His Love Takes Care of Me".

Reception and Impact
"Connie Smith Sings Great Sacred Songs" was consulted with a positive reception upon release. Critics praised Smith's powerful voice and sincerity in her performances, which were aptly accompanied by the classy production of Bob Ferguson. The album reached No. 10 on the United States Billboard Top Country Albums chart, more sealing Smith's position as a leading nation artist during this time. Additionally, it crossed over to the more comprehensive music scene, as much of the tunes were familiar to audiences no matter their tastes in religious music.

While the album did not produce any chart-topping songs like her launching, it serves as an important record in Smith's discography. It permitted her to explore a various side of her musical identity and certainly resonated with fans of both country and gospel music. It likewise helped lead the way for other nation artists to launch gospel albums, demonstrating that faith-based music might be both commercially and critically effective.

Conclusion
"Connie Smith Sings Great Sacred Songs" stays an influential and remarkable album in Connie Smith's career, sticking out within a period when many nation artists were solely concentrated on love tunes and honky-tonk themes. Smith's authentic and genuine interpretation of the gospel classics included on this release is a testament to her exceptional vocal capability and supplies a powerful representation of her faith. This collection of inspiring and time-honored sacred tunes continues to be cherished by fans today, more than 5 years given that its initial release.