Originally recorded by Carrie Underwood in 2008 as part of the compilation album “How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites From the Grand Ole Opry,” the song “How Great Thou Art” received renewed attention and soared to new heights when performed by Underwood and Vince Gill. The compilation album also featured remarkable recordings by other esteemed artists such as Patty Loveless with “Precious Memories,” Alan Jackson’s rendition of “Blessed Assurance,” Dierks Bentley’s soulful delivery of “House of Gold,” and Brad Paisley’s heartfelt interpretation of “The Old Rugged Cross.”
Following the awe-inspiring collaboration between Underwood and Gill, the original recording of the song quickly climbed the iTunes Top Gospel Song and Top 40 charts, eventually claiming the number one spot. This remarkable achievement speaks to the undeniable impact of their performance, which captivated listeners and left a lasting impression.
The song itself, “How Great Thou Art,” boasts a rich history that dates back to the 1880s. Originally penned as a poem by Swedish poet Carl Gustav Boberg, it was later translated into English by Stuart K. Hine, who also contributed additional lyrics. In the 1950s, the California-based song publishing company Manny Music acquired the rights to the song and made some minor lyrical modifications.
