Introduction:
“How Great Thou Art” is a hymn of monumental significance, a timeless expression of awe and reverence for the divine that has transcended generations, cultures, and musical genres. While its origins trace back to a Swedish poem from the late 19th century, its most widely recognized English form gained immense popularity through evangelical crusades in the mid-20th century. Decades later, country music icon Alan Jackson offered his deeply personal and profoundly impactful rendition, bringing this sacred classic to a new, vast audience and reinforcing its enduring power. Jackson’s version is not merely a cover; it’s a heartfelt testament to his faith and a respectful homage to the spiritual music that shaped his life, solidifying his place as a champion of traditional values in country music and beyond.
- Year Released (Alan Jackson’s version): 2006
- Album: Precious Memories
Alan Jackson’s rendition of “How Great Thou Art” was released in 2006 as a cornerstone track on his thirteenth studio album, Precious Memories. This album was a unique and deeply personal project for Jackson, a departure from his usual mainstream country releases. The genesis of Precious Memories stemmed from a request by his mother, who enjoyed religious music and wished for him to record an album of gospel classics. What began as a “side project” intended primarily for his family, quickly blossomed into a commercial and critical phenomenon, resonating with millions worldwide. The album was recorded at The Rukkus Room Recording Studios and produced by his long-time collaborator, Keith Stegall, who ensured a sparse, reverent production that allowed the timeless melodies and powerful lyrics to shine through.
The hymn itself has a rich and fascinating history. Its journey began in 1885 with a Swedish poem titled “O Store Gud” (“O Great God”), written by Carl Boberg, a Swedish pastor and politician. Boberg was inspired to write the poem after experiencing a sudden thunderstorm followed by a peaceful calm over Mönsterås Bay, an event that filled him with profound awe for God’s creation. The poem was first published in 1886 and later set to an old Swedish folk tune. Over the decades, it traveled across Europe, undergoing translations into German by Manfred von Glehn (1907) and Russian by Ivan S. Prokhanoff (1927). The English version, which is now globally recognized, was largely shaped by British missionary Stuart K. Hine. Hine encountered the Russian translation while on an evangelistic mission in Ukraine in the 1930s. Deeply moved by its message, he began translating and adding verses, completing his English paraphrase in 1949. Hine’s version gained widespread prominence when it was introduced to American audiences by gospel singer George Beverly Shea and evangelist Cliff Barrows during Billy Graham’s crusades in the mid-1950s, becoming the signature hymn of Graham’s ministry.
Genre of Music:
Alan Jackson’s “How Great Thou Art” falls squarely within the Christian country and gospel genres. While Jackson is renowned for his neotraditional country style, his Precious Memories album, including this hymn, saw him delve into the foundational sounds of traditional gospel music, a genre deeply interwoven with country music’s historical fabric. Key characteristics of this genre, as exemplified by Jackson’s rendition, include:
- Traditional Hymnody: The song maintains the classic structure and devotional lyrical themes of 19th and early 20th-century gospel hymns. It’s a direct expression of worship and wonder, focusing on God’s majesty, creation, and redemptive power. The lyrics are straightforward and accessible, designed to inspire faith and reflection.
- Acoustic and Reverent Instrumentation: In line with both the hymn’s traditional roots and Jackson’s own musical philosophy, the arrangement is simple and respectful. It features prominent acoustic guitar, piano, and often a subtle organ, creating an intimate and reflective soundscape. The production avoids elaborate embellishments, allowing the profound message and Jackson’s sincere vocal delivery to take precedence. This minimalist approach enhances the hymn’s timeless quality.
- Sincere Vocal Delivery: Alan Jackson’s vocal performance on “How Great Thou Art” is a hallmark of his artistry. His smooth, unadorned baritone, typically used for storytelling in his country hits, here conveys a deep personal conviction and humility. He sings the hymn with a quiet reverence and genuine emotion, making the spiritual message feel authentic and deeply personal to the listener. There’s no showmanship, just pure, heartfelt worship.
- Spiritual Focus: Unlike many mainstream country songs that explore secular themes, “How Great Thou Art” is purely spiritual. It’s a song of praise and adoration, inviting listeners to contemplate the grandeur of creation and the depth of divine love. This spiritual focus resonated with a vast audience, including those who might not typically listen to country music.
Achievements:
While “How Great Thou Art” was not released as a commercial single from Precious Memories, its impact and achievements are deeply significant, primarily through the success of the album it belongs to and its enduring cultural resonance:
- Precious Memories Album Success: Despite being a “side project” with no promotional singles, Precious Memories achieved phenomenal commercial success. It debuted at No. 1 on both the U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums chart and the U.S. Christian Albums chart, becoming Jackson’s eighth number-one country album. It also reached a remarkable No. 4 on the all-genre Billboard 200. The album was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in August 2006, signifying sales of over one million copies. This success underscored a widespread hunger for traditional, faith-based music and Jackson’s unique ability to connect with that audience.
- Dove Award Winner: In 2007, Precious Memories received significant industry recognition, winning a prestigious Dove Award for Country Album of the Year at the 38th GMA Dove Awards. This award acknowledged the album’s artistic excellence and its profound impact within the Christian music community.
- Personal and Artistic Fulfillment: For Alan Jackson, the recording of Precious Memories was a deeply personal and fulfilling endeavor. It allowed him to honor his mother’s request and revisit the hymns that were integral to his spiritual upbringing. This authenticity resonated profoundly with his fanbase, showcasing a more intimate and vulnerable side of his artistry that further endeared him to millions.
- Live Performance Staple: “How Great Thou Art” became a cherished part of Jackson’s live performances, particularly during gospel segments. Live renditions of the hymn, often part of medleys, were featured on the Precious Memories: Live at the Ryman Auditorium DVD, which itself achieved significant chart success (reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Music Video chart and Christian Video chart upon its re-release in 2017). These live performances brought the hymn’s powerful message to even wider audiences.
- Cultural Impact and Enduring Appeal: By bringing traditional hymns like “How Great Thou Art” to a mainstream country audience, Alan Jackson played a crucial role in reintroducing these timeless spiritual songs to a new generation. The album’s success demonstrated that there was a significant market for authentic, faith-based music, proving that such material could achieve widespread commercial success without compromising its spiritual integrity. The song continues to be a source of comfort and inspiration for countless individuals.
In conclusion, Alan Jackson’s rendition of “How Great Thou Art,” released in 2006 on the Precious Memories album, is a deeply moving and impactful Christian country/gospel track. While the hymn itself boasts a rich history spanning over a century, Jackson’s sincere and unadorned performance brought it renewed prominence. Its contribution to a multi-platinum, Dove Award-winning album, coupled with its profound personal significance for Jackson, firmly establishes “How Great Thou Art” as a powerful and enduring testament to faith within his celebrated musical legacy.