Album: How Great Thou Art

Introduction
"How Great Thou Art" is a gospel album by Elvis Presley, launched in 1967. It is the ninth studio album by the King of Rock and Roll and his 2nd full-length gospel album. This Grammy-winning album is understood for including a few of the most popular gospel songs and showcasing Elvis Presley's passion for gospel music. The album contains a mix of conventional hymns, spiritual songs, and contemporary Christian structures.

Background
Elvis Presley's love for gospel music started at a young age. Maturing in a devoutly religious family, he was exposed to various forms of gospel music through his church and his household's singing sessions in the house. Although he is best understood for his rock-and-roll performances, gospel music has constantly held a special place in his heart.

Upon reaching fame, Elvis continued to consist of gospel numbers in his efficiencies. He had actually already released a gospel EP in 1957, consisting of 4 tracks, which got widespread recognition. By the mid-1960s, he was determined to produce a full-length gospel album. This pertained to fruition with the release of "How Great Thou Art" in 1967, which ultimately won Elvis his first Grammy Award.

Recording and Production
The album was recorded at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, between May 25 and 28, 1966, with additional sessions hung on June 27. It was produced by Felton Jarvis, who had actually previously produced Elvis' well-known 1960 gospel album, "His Hand in Mine". The musicians associated with the recording session consisted of distinguished artists such as bassist Bob Moore, drummer Buddy Harman, and guitar players Scotty Moore, Chip Young, and Charlie McCoy.

"How Great Thou Art" features the vocals of the Jordanaires, a vocal quartet often connected with Presley's gospel recordings, and the Imperials, a contemporary Christian group including Jim Murray, Terry Blackwood, Roger Wiles, and Joe Moscheo.

Track Listing
The album consists of a total of thirteen tracks, a mix of standard and modern gospel tunes. The title track "How Great Thou Art" is a performance of the famous hymn based upon a Swedish poem by Carl Gustav Boberg. Elvis' rendition of this tune has been hailed as one of the most powerful and emotive in recorded gospel music.

A few of the other noteworthy tracks on the album include "In the Garden", a standard hymn written by Charles A. Miles, "Where Could I Go But to the Lord", composed by popular gospel songwriter J.B. Coats, and "By and By", a perky performance of a traditional gospel number composed by Charles Tindley.

The album likewise includes contemporary gospel numbers like "Somebody Bigger Than You and I" and the more positive, "So High". Elvis' soulful singing delivery is completely complemented by the rich consistencies offered by the Jordanaires and the Imperials.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "How Great Thou Art" received an overwhelmingly positive response from both critics and fans. It peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Top LP chart and remained on the chart for 79 weeks. The album attained Gold status and ultimately won Elvis his very first Grammy Award in the classification of Best Sacred Performance.

The album's tradition has continued to survive on, with its title track becoming a staple in Elvis' live shows. His passionate efficiency of "How Great Thou Art" during the 1972 documentary "Elvis On Tour" won him his 3rd Grammy Award.

"How Great Thou Art" served as a testimony to Elvis Presley's deep connection with gospel music and his ability to skillfully mix his rock-and-roll roots with the spiritual sound that formed him as an artist. The album continues to be celebrated as an essential milestone in Elvis' rich musical legacy.