The Statler Brothers - How Great Thou Art

[@star417]

I won’t be the first or last on this thread to say it, but Lew Dewitt was an incredible talent who was lost far too young. What a voice.

[@catherinebeasley8631]

It is heart breaking that Lew became ill and died so young .A voice that will never be matched.

[@ernestcoker3524]

Absolutely 💯

[@rebeccamartin6052]

I feel blessed to have seen them once before Lew quit touring. They were still a wonderful group but never quite the same without him.

[@TheDavBow3]

Lew had the most pure tenor voice ever. He harmonized so well and his voice blended so perfectly with the other 3. So many tenors are so piercing with their voices and almost dominate the others. Lew's voice was so complimentary and beautiful. Lew was only the lead when he was supposed to.

[@STaylor127]

I completely agree. Yes, Jimmy Fortune has a great tenor voice, but Lew Dewitt’s voice is so clear and pristine.

[@JCHUSAF47]

This is what Gospel and Country Music is all about. The true talent to sing a beautiful song with nothing taking away anything. The Statler Brothers were and will always be a big part of the reason that I love Music, true country and gospel at it's best

[@rebeccalong4547]

8 years ago today we laid my beautiful Grandma to rest. This was her favorite song.

[@hazeybaby759902]

My mom always cranked this song every time she listened to the CD's. She was put on hospice on July 27th of 2016. She lived for another 3 weeks, and in the hour of her passing, I played her this song! She went as peaceful as can be! Every sunday, I am in my office, I have her candle burning, along side her Urn, and I play this a couple times.Thank you for all your GREAT music!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello how are you doing

[@auntie0000]

bless her heart

[@lindabassett306]

So hard to loose your mom. My heart is with yours

[@Laura-b3g2s]

Lovely ❤❤❤

[@FlintTruth]

First off I'm so sorry for your loss ,I lost my mother in May of 2016 also. I miss her dearly everyday! But 😮I hope you know your mother is in heaven if she was saved and isn't in those ashes. Those are just ashes and that isn't your mother. My sister's had my mother cremated also but to be dead in the flesh is to be alive with Jesus Christ. So she's in her perfectly heavenly body watching over you. I know you burn the candle and actually think you're honoring your mother but that's actually an occult practice and I would warn you against doing that. May God bless you and your family!!

[@pennygates87]

I grew up listening to these fellows. They are my favorite by far. Every harmony is so spot on. We miss them.

[@sharonbambridge3734]

I wish I had found this Beautiful Sound earlier ❤❤❤❤

[@SolaJocoLoca1]

First time I heard them sing this song, I was driving. Turned the radio up. The DJ said that is so good, he just had to play it again, and he did. I bought the album that day 😁.

[@stefanlund7849]

In 1885, Carl Boberg, a Swedish editor and future politician, was walking home in the bayside town of Mönsterås, located on Sweden’s south-eastern coast. A thunderhead appeared on the horizon. Lightning flashed. Thunderclaps shook the air, sending Boberg running for shelter. When the storm began to relent, he rushed home. He opened his windows to let in the fresh bay air, and the vision of tranquility that greeted him stirred something deep in his soul. The sky had cleared. Thrushes sang, and in the distance, the resonant knell of church bells sounded. With the juxtaposition between the roaring thunderstorm and such bucolic calm as background, Boberg sat down and wrote “O Store Gud”-the poem that, through a winding series of events would become “How Great Thou Art.” After being published in a local newspaper, an unknown Swede put “O Store Gud” to the tune of a Swedish folk song, whose name has also been lost to history. In the late 1800s several versions were published, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that “O Store Gud,” which translates literally to “O Mighty God,” hopped the Swedish border. In the first decade of the 20th century the song was translated into German. A handful of years later a Russian version appeared. The first English language version wouldn’t be penned until 1925. But this English iteration, translated by the Swedish-American E. Gustav Johnson, is a far cry from the song we know today. It took another quarter century, a British missionary, and a new translation before the song developed into its now recognizable form. In the early 1930s, Stuart K. Hine, an English missionary, first heard the Russian version of “O Store Gud” while in the Ukraine. For years he and his wife sang the song with locals before he finally sat down and translated it into English. Translation is of course more art than science, and Hine took some liberties, most particularly with the title, which in 1949 he rechristened “How Great Thou Art.” Hine published his English translation alongside the Russian version in Grace and Peace, a magazine that he published and was circulated to missionaries in over 15 countries. The story of “How Great Thou Art” might have ended here, in relative obscurity, were it not for a British-American theologian traveling to India, a singing cowboy, and a popular American evangelist on a self-described crusade. When J. Edwin Orr, a British-American theologian and evangelist, travelled to India in 1954, music was the farthest thing from his mind. He was there to preach. But while there he heard an English version of “How Great Thou Art” sung by a Naga choir from the state of Assam in north-eastern India. He was so impressed by the song he brought it back to America and had it performed at a conference for college students where he was speaking. In attendance at that fateful conference were the children of Tim Spencer, a singing cowboy and actor who had found fame singing in the Sons of the Pioneers alongside Bob Nolan and Roy Rogers. At that time, Spencer owned Mana Music, Inc, a publisher of Christian music. He quickly arranged to buy the rights to the song and then did what all good publishers do-he started pushing the song. As late as 1954, “How Great Thou Art” remained all but unknown in the U.S., but with Mana Music’s backing the song eventually landed in the hands of George Beverly Shea, famed soloist in Billy Graham’s travelling crusade. Graham reportedly loved the song and quickly made it his evangelical crusade’s signature song. Given Graham’s reach, Shea all but introduced the song to the nation. He sang it live on radio, before stadiums filled with thousands of people-and during nationally televised events like the 1957 Madison Square Garden Crusade, which ran for 16 weeks and was viewed by an estimated 96 million people. Then came Elvis. Though Shea and other popular artists like Tennessee Ernie Ford and Loretta Lynn recorded versions before him, Elvis’s recordings-his more restrained studio version from 1967 and his slightly looser live version from 1974, both of which earned him Grammys-are generally considered the canonical versions against which all others are compared. That said, many people today think first of Carrie Underwood’s chart-topping rendition from 2011. Regardless of your favorite recording, when we reflect upon the various chance encounters and serendipitous occurrences that combined to birth “How Great Thou Art” and bring it to prominence, it’s hard not to be awed by the sheer improbability of it all; fate, dumb luck, God’s grace, call it what you will, the path from “O Store Gud” to “How Great Thou Art” is nothing if not unlikely. And still today is sung at Church of Sweden!

[@gloriaberry3038]

One of the best quartets ever! Never get tired of listening to them!!

[@kevincrossman398]

No group could be as good thank you

[@annrousseau8793]

This is what we sang for my dad when he passed…..he absolutely loved this song❤️❤️💔💔💔💔

[@kristalbartmann5504]

My father, who has been gone for 16 years used to sing this. It always reminds me of him. He, too, had a beautiful voice. We played this at his funeral. They Statler Brothers sing this beautiful hymn. My favorite version

[@rose473]

this has always been my favorite version of this song. God bless the Statler brothers

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi

[@corneliadenninger5395]

This gospel song was sung for my late beloved husband for his final good bye. RIP.

[@n1umj]

Harmony that can't be matched, never mind will, no one can match a sound like this. I grew up listening to their music and just in complete awe at the harmony they have. Trully one of the greatest bands ever and this is the best version of this song ever.

[@tiffanykueny]

I totally agree☺️❤️

[@vilmadsouza7699]

Miss the Statler Brothers so much

[@RaymondButler-ty8sr]

Ever since the LORD changed my life, i love gospel music.

[@jameshenderson3238]

The first time I ever heard the Statler Brothers was over 50 years ago when they opened for a Johnny Cash concert. I knew then they were great and listened to them to this day. Miss you Harold and Lou.....RIP

[@maryhill7694]

This is, for me, the one and only ultimate recording of this beloved gospel song. It was my father's favorite and and I offered it up as the last song loved ones sang at his funeral, and in my mind he was strong, sitting in his favorite chair singing, eyes closed, singing loud an lovingly to the God he adored. Wish I could tell these wonderful singers how he an I are for the talent and love they infuse into every song they performed.

[@suesensenig548]

My dad loved these guys. I have happy memories of listening to them (and singing along). Sometimes I just have to go back 40-45 years and listen to them.

[@752brickie]

Lew and Harold are reunited again and singing before the Throne of GOD !

[@teresalona8450]

This is so beautiful. The melody was played at our Mother’s Funeral and I cried all the way thru it.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi Teresa

[@alexdawe-le4vj]

My mother would not have liked it, because she was an atheist, but I love it

[@brettroberts990]

Just not sure why 668 people would dislike this group or this song. That was my daddy’s favorite song. We played that at his funeral. He was 84 and still sang this song. What an enjoyment these guys gave us. ❤️❤️

[@jerrscott6373]

People who do not have a relationship with God nor an appreciation of quality music..

[@aliceshoemaker4821]

When they sing it goes to my very soul and makes me feel at piece. I play their songs over and over.

[@janerandall9409]

My mother is 100 and has pneumonia. Playing religious music like How Great Thou Are and familiar music from the past like Blueberry Hill, a sentimental song my mom loves. is very comforting too. This music helps put my mom to sleep which she needs to heal.

[@andreackerman7023]

God works in mysterious ways, whichever, it always works!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello how are you

[@christiandonaldson31]

@@andreackerman7023 hi

[@j.r.5130]

Rest in peace Harold Reid! A great bass singer!

[@maryhill7694]

In my mind he's the best. I'm sure he and Lew are in heaven singing for the God they lovingly shared with the world in song.

[@alexdawe-le4vj]

Indeed

[@nancyrussell991]

NOBODY DID THIS SONG LIKE THE STATLERS.

[@barbarashaw8136]

This is the most beautiful song, it comforts me.

[@maryhodgmond3918]

Elvis

[@marlenalinne7958]

Nobody did ANY song like the Statler Brothers.

[@dakotase]

They do this wonderfully, but the true impact of this song can not even come close to that of George Beverly Shea.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello how are you doing

[@genewatson9595]

what a terrific song , and you hardly hear anymore. He is great , He has done so much and we don't recognize it

[@kittysheehy8787]

This was on the first album I bought and I came to the Lord! Has blessed my heart for over 50 years!

[@sharonatkinson5205]

As a Believer in Jesus' shed blood as payment for our sins,I guarantee you that Harold does rest in Peace! All the guys know Jesus as their Savior!!

[@sofiatatman4777]

I have cancer and listen to this beautiful song makes me feel so wonderful this made my day. Thank you brothers😘

[@darrellburnham8518]

I miss this group. It is no wonder they were voted the best group of the century. When they retired it broke my heart. Oh, these songs of inspiration......

[@rileycoffelt907]

Darrell Burnham amen a great American band

[@lloydcrites8794]

Love to hear group sang, always will. Lloyd Crites 2018

[@kevinmiller1985]

To Darrell Burnham-amen, b rother, they are my favorite vocal group. I, too , was sad- dened by the fact that they a re no longer performing. Wo uld have loved to meet them in person. It's a tragic sham e Lew suffered from Crohn's Disease. I no doubt he'd've s tayed 'til the end taking the bows they so richly deserve d. As you know Lew person- ally handpicked Jimmy to b- e his successor. Long live th e Statler Brothers!.

[@joyceharrishat8779]

Me too

[@marylinlott2684]

Darrell Burnham y

[@kellyshort2858]

Rest in Peace Harold, gone but never forgotten!! One of the best!

[@Sierras-uk7xo]

Rest in peace, Harold. The Statlers were always one of my favorites. This is one of my favorites of their songs.

[@3ormorecharacterstimes2]

The world today needs this. All the greatest music and artists ever created have come and most niw are gone from this earth, but their music remains. As time goes by, their songs are heard fewer and fewer times, as the world around us is crumbling into chaos.

[@catherinebeasley8631]

so sad that DeWitt became too ill to keep touring and died so young. Never be anyone else like him.

[@ruthcantrell-lq5fr]

You are so right, I could listen to Lew day and night.

[@marymelton3418]

They are all great and my favorites ❤

[@ericdixon2898]

I believe this was right before Lew took his 6-month leave of absence

[@SMElder-iy6fl]

Our local museum in Lew's hometown has an exhibit on him up right now. Waynesboro, Virginia

[@722DL]

@@SMElder-iy6flgotta love Virginia

[@mssandy90]

This is great. Have never seen this one. No one on this earth can sing this song better than the Statlers. It's wonderful to see Lew looking well. May he rest in peace. Thank you very much for this post. Very much appreciated.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello how are you

[@jimmywhitman8930]

@@christiandonaldson31 AS

[@greylocks3272]

No words are available to us to describe the beauty and majesty of this message. Be thankful ..... every day.

[@stevebowser6977]

The greatest group singing the greatest hymn.

[@tiffanykueny]

They do this song so beautifully.

[@robgrillo5573]

My favorite hymn of all time. It always brings tears to my eyes. R. I. P. Mr. DeWitt.

[@lindayeager4740]

The Statler Brothers will always be number one in gospel music for me! I love them all for sharing their talent.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi Linda

[@stefanlund7849]

In 1885, Carl Boberg, a Swedish editor and future politician, was walking home in the bayside town of Mönsterås, located on Sweden’s south-eastern coast. A thunderhead appeared on the horizon. Lightning flashed. Thunderclaps shook the air, sending Boberg running for shelter. When the storm began to relent, he rushed home. He opened his windows to let in the fresh bay air, and the vision of tranquility that greeted him stirred something deep in his soul. The sky had cleared. Thrushes sang, and in the distance, the resonant knell of church bells sounded. With the juxtaposition between the roaring thunderstorm and such bucolic calm as background, Boberg sat down and wrote “O Store Gud”-the poem that, through a winding series of events would become “How Great Thou Art.” After being published in a local newspaper, an unknown Swede put “O Store Gud” to the tune of a Swedish folk song, whose name has also been lost to history. In the late 1800s several versions were published, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that “O Store Gud,” which translates literally to “O Mighty God,” hopped the Swedish border. In the first decade of the 20th century the song was translated into German. A handful of years later a Russian version appeared. The first English language version wouldn’t be penned until 1925. But this English iteration, translated by the Swedish-American E. Gustav Johnson, is a far cry from the song we know today. It took another quarter century, a British missionary, and a new translation before the song developed into its now recognizable form. In the early 1930s, Stuart K. Hine, an English missionary, first heard the Russian version of “O Store Gud” while in the Ukraine. For years he and his wife sang the song with locals before he finally sat down and translated it into English. Translation is of course more art than science, and Hine took some liberties, most particularly with the title, which in 1949 he rechristened “How Great Thou Art.” Hine published his English translation alongside the Russian version in Grace and Peace, a magazine that he published and was circulated to missionaries in over 15 countries. The story of “How Great Thou Art” might have ended here, in relative obscurity, were it not for a British-American theologian traveling to India, a singing cowboy, and a popular American evangelist on a self-described crusade. When J. Edwin Orr, a British-American theologian and evangelist, travelled to India in 1954, music was the farthest thing from his mind. He was there to preach. But while there he heard an English version of “How Great Thou Art” sung by a Naga choir from the state of Assam in north-eastern India. He was so impressed by the song he brought it back to America and had it performed at a conference for college students where he was speaking. In attendance at that fateful conference were the children of Tim Spencer, a singing cowboy and actor who had found fame singing in the Sons of the Pioneers alongside Bob Nolan and Roy Rogers. At that time, Spencer owned Mana Music, Inc, a publisher of Christian music. He quickly arranged to buy the rights to the song and then did what all good publishers do-he started pushing the song. As late as 1954, “How Great Thou Art” remained all but unknown in the U.S., but with Mana Music’s backing the song eventually landed in the hands of George Beverly Shea, famed soloist in Billy Graham’s travelling crusade. Graham reportedly loved the song and quickly made it his evangelical crusade’s signature song. Given Graham’s reach, Shea all but introduced the song to the nation. He sang it live on radio, before stadiums filled with thousands of people-and during nationally televised events like the 1957 Madison Square Garden Crusade, which ran for 16 weeks and was viewed by an estimated 96 million people. Then came Elvis. Though Shea and other popular artists like Tennessee Ernie Ford and Loretta Lynn recorded versions before him, Elvis’s recordings-his more restrained studio version from 1967 and his slightly looser live version from 1974, both of which earned him Grammys-are generally considered the canonical versions against which all others are compared. That said, many people today think first of Carrie Underwood’s chart-topping rendition from 2011. Regardless of your favorite recording, when we reflect upon the various chance encounters and serendipitous occurrences that combined to birth “How Great Thou Art” and bring it to prominence, it’s hard not to be awed by the sheer improbability of it all; fate, dumb luck, God’s grace, call it what you will, the path from “O Store Gud” to “How Great Thou Art” is nothing if not unlikely.

[@haroldbertrand852]

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10

[@barbarajoseph5897]

The world needs this,thank you. May the Lord bless you and your’s. We serve a Almighty God! Jeremiah 32:27 is true!

[@ryanloudermilk2459]

Facts, the Lord God of all flesh. There is nothing too hard for him.

[@voliscar]

This is rare brothers coming together with such talents and sharing it with the world thanks so much to you all God bless you all always.

[@debby579]

How great is this song and their harmonius voices!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi

[@Djm8520]

I met Don Reid at a Masters V concert in Harrisonburg, VA. He was super nice and very friendly, and very pleased to hear that I had bought their new CD that was just out that week!

[@Hescomingagain]

Harold just died today, what a loss, but heavens gain..♥ ♥

[@neldajohnson6879]

so sad. So glad we got to see them every Jan until they retired. They were sing at the GRAND THEATRE IN GALVESTON TX.

[@rogermcmanus3805]

@@neldajohnson6879 aàaaàaaaaa

[@judithgrominger4253]

Sad to learn of this. Thanks.

[@davidbaird6011]

I Loved there music so much

[@mikefournier2601]

They did a very good man god want him to come a sing with his angels he know he was sick an had to come home

[@kathleenDay-g5t]

Thank YOU GOD, for the Statlers AND for the Arranger of this hymn.

[@joycecoughlin3458]

Fly high in the heavens with our GOD, Harold Reid!

[@williamrandall6240]

Is that true

[@peggyoliver956]

Oh Harold how sad to hear this. But you are in the arms of our Lord and he is there with you.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello how are you

[@ritagreening5149]

Another bass for the heavenly choir

[@christiandonaldson31]

@@ritagreening5149 hi Rita

[@Awannabestylist]

The very best harmony I have ever heard. They were in a class all by themselves. I love literally all of their songs. Their roots really shine on the old gospel standards. I remember watching their TV show where the highlight was the gospel number sung with just the piano player.

[@douglasmasterson443]

Beautiful music....and of course the Lyrics are unsurpassed !! Overall what really "seals it for me"...are the Harmonies!!

[@1978garfield]

I miss Lew. All of the guys are super talented, including Jimmy Fortune. However there was just something about Lew . A little touch of sorrow in his voice. Great performer and a criminally underrated songwriter as well.

[@ssgdean1969]

The Statler Brothers have always been a religious experience for me.

[@joannbjorkman6517]

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[@joannbjorkman6517]

❤❤🎉 0:52 😅😮😮😢🎉😂 and zucchini hgdswtuioppoiuzsfhjmlmnbvxxxy Reallyihht 🎉axcljhgfdd. Yeti loohgfddjkjhgfslijjhhbp

[@joannbjorkman6517]

W I’m not sure if 😢😮😅😅😢 but I ❤wezzippoiugrsdghnhcsc

[@joannbjorkman6517]

J😅trees in your p😅😅😮olllugdxvbmnbbcoiutrsfhn mmm X. Q❤❤❤😂🎉😢😮😅piuztfdgjjmnbvcxhjlkuzdaweegfhjmnvc

[@joannbjorkman6517]

Out there I’m not erzukkjjugfdds see we 🎉I

[@johnmarler9294]

I absolutely loved this song and no one can do it better than the Statler Brothers!,,!

[@stefanlund7849]

Its a Swedish hymn from 1860 and sung every christmas in Scandinavian churches! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4iyd553ar90otU

[@BonnieYopp]

The Statler Bros are from my home state Virginia. Stauton was a 3 hour drive from where I lived. I love these guys. How Great Thou Art and The Old Rugged Cross was sung at my husband's memorial service. We grew up with these songs and The Statler Bros do a wonderful job with them. They are the greatest.

[@seanmitchell7660]

Rest in peace Harold. Your singing with God now.

[@SMElder-iy6fl]

We sang this ar my husband's funeral. Our minister at that time would never permit us to sing the verse that begins "When Christ Shall Come". He said it was "depressing". I made sure we sang that verse ar my husband's funeral!

[@grandmajoannmack]

I believe the Statler Brothers have the greatest blend of voices I've ever heard. May God bless them for the blessings they've given so many by using their marvelous voices to glorify Him.

[@russtom8367]

Jo-Ann Mac k if

[@carenhellard6047]

Jo-Ann Mack I never thought they could replace Lou but Jimmy was absolutely awesome! I saw them twice in concert. Once in San Diego then years later at a small community play house with Jimmy and he Nailed this song that they had to do a few more lines over and over. Sat about 5 rows away from them. I know every song they did old and new. This was in Pensacola Florida.

[@lgifford6815]

Russ Tom and

[@pammiesuepastura]

Agreed!!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello Ann

[@danf-gg4lk]

It's 2023 and this is still quite possibly the best song ever.

[@shawndowdy7697]

these guys could sing! thank you for giving us a reason to love and live for so many years!!!

[@haroldbertrand852]

Why are we so willfully blind? Why can't we see and recognize God in everything He has created? He is in the warmth of the sun, He is in the power of the storm, His goodness is displayed in the innate beauty of every single flower. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. All praise, worship, glory, and dominion belong to our Holy God forever and ever.

[@bettyhanson9576]

I love this done by the original Statlers.Says a lot how I need to start my day.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi Betty

[@PatriciaReyes-tf2mq]

This song is one of my favorite religious songs. Yes, Dear Lord Jesus, you are my redeemer and savior. Thank you for your everlasting love. I pray for world peace and many blessings. I dedicate this song to ALL who may be suffering, for the disabled, the elders who have given many services to those in need. And, last but not least, I also pray for your blessings to ALL and world PEACE, in Jesus Christ,our Lord. Amen.

[@TheDmkfromin]

This is probably my favorite performance of this awesome hymn.

[@stefanlund7849]

In 1885, Carl Boberg, a Swedish editor and future politician, was walking home in the bayside town of Mönsterås, located on Sweden’s south-eastern coast. A thunderhead appeared on the horizon. Lightning flashed. Thunderclaps shook the air, sending Boberg running for shelter. When the storm began to relent, he rushed home. He opened his windows to let in the fresh bay air, and the vision of tranquility that greeted him stirred something deep in his soul. The sky had cleared. Thrushes sang, and in the distance, the resonant knell of church bells sounded. With the juxtaposition between the roaring thunderstorm and such bucolic calm as background, Boberg sat down and wrote “O Store Gud”-the poem that, through a winding series of events would become “How Great Thou Art.” After being published in a local newspaper, an unknown Swede put “O Store Gud” to the tune of a Swedish folk song, whose name has also been lost to history. In the late 1800s several versions were published, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that “O Store Gud,” which translates literally to “O Mighty God,” hopped the Swedish border. In the first decade of the 20th century the song was translated into German. A handful of years later a Russian version appeared. The first English language version wouldn’t be penned until 1925. But this English iteration, translated by the Swedish-American E. Gustav Johnson, is a far cry from the song we know today. It took another quarter century, a British missionary, and a new translation before the song developed into its now recognizable form. In the early 1930s, Stuart K. Hine, an English missionary, first heard the Russian version of “O Store Gud” while in the Ukraine. For years he and his wife sang the song with locals before he finally sat down and translated it into English. Translation is of course more art than science, and Hine took some liberties, most particularly with the title, which in 1949 he rechristened “How Great Thou Art.” Hine published his English translation alongside the Russian version in Grace and Peace, a magazine that he published and was circulated to missionaries in over 15 countries. The story of “How Great Thou Art” might have ended here, in relative obscurity, were it not for a British-American theologian traveling to India, a singing cowboy, and a popular American evangelist on a self-described crusade. When J. Edwin Orr, a British-American theologian and evangelist, travelled to India in 1954, music was the farthest thing from his mind. He was there to preach. But while there he heard an English version of “How Great Thou Art” sung by a Naga choir from the state of Assam in north-eastern India. He was so impressed by the song he brought it back to America and had it performed at a conference for college students where he was speaking. In attendance at that fateful conference were the children of Tim Spencer, a singing cowboy and actor who had found fame singing in the Sons of the Pioneers alongside Bob Nolan and Roy Rogers. At that time, Spencer owned Mana Music, Inc, a publisher of Christian music. He quickly arranged to buy the rights to the song and then did what all good publishers do-he started pushing the song. As late as 1954, “How Great Thou Art” remained all but unknown in the U.S., but with Mana Music’s backing the song eventually landed in the hands of George Beverly Shea, famed soloist in Billy Graham’s travelling crusade. Graham reportedly loved the song and quickly made it his evangelical crusade’s signature song. Given Graham’s reach, Shea all but introduced the song to the nation. He sang it live on radio, before stadiums filled with thousands of people-and during nationally televised events like the 1957 Madison Square Garden Crusade, which ran for 16 weeks and was viewed by an estimated 96 million people. Then came Elvis. Though Shea and other popular artists like Tennessee Ernie Ford and Loretta Lynn recorded versions before him, Elvis’s recordings-his more restrained studio version from 1967 and his slightly looser live version from 1974, both of which earned him Grammys-are generally considered the canonical versions against which all others are compared. That said, many people today think first of Carrie Underwood’s chart-topping rendition from 2011. Regardless of your favorite recording, when we reflect upon the various chance encounters and serendipitous occurrences that combined to birth “How Great Thou Art” and bring it to prominence, it’s hard not to be awed by the sheer improbability of it all; fate, dumb luck, God’s grace, call it what you will, the path from “O Store Gud” to “How Great Thou Art” is nothing if not unlikely. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4iyd553ar90otU

[@karenrenner2237]

I have always loved to listen to them singing they were all so great Rest in Piece Harold one of the greatest groups ever

[@karenrenner2237]

@Greg Normal they are the best to bad after they retired Harold died I have always loved there music I have several of there cds play them all th time when i am in my car

[@suzannecoleman8298]

Many years ago I was 18 years old the Statler Bro’s music was introduced to me.I had never heard anything like it before. The music was on an LP record, it’s a wonder I didn’t wear it out. I just played and played . Now I’m 64 years old and have just listened to it again. Their voices haven’t changed at all. The harmony they would sing together was simply beautiful, something that has stayed with me. Hearing this tonight has bought back many memories. Would love to have a CD of their music. Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this music laying in bed.❤️God blessed them with Angelic voices.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello how are you

[@bgbalser7311]

I was honored to spend some time with Harold and Don one day in Clifton Forge'VA. Both were true gentlemen in every since of the word and they made me feel like they had known me for years. I miss the Statlers and I'm really am going to miss Harold. Rest easy my friend... Barry

[@billgreenthumb69]

I HAVE LOVED THE STATLER BROTHER THE FIRST TIME A HEARD THEM ALL THOSE YEARS AGO

[@audreysimon2887]

This is my favourite hymn we sing in church

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello how are you

[@audreysimon2887]

@@christiandonaldson31 am fine thank you

[@christiandonaldson31]

@@audreysimon2887 hope you are safe from the virus?

[@audreysimon2887]

@@christiandonaldson31 yes thank you staying safe it’s so stressful though I think we are all in the same boat am in Liverpool England we’re you from please

[@christiandonaldson31]

@@audreysimon2887 I'm texting from Texas. Good to know you are safe in this scary time . Will like to know you more my friend

[@williamdrager2382]

Lew Dewitt had a beautiful voice---he really made the group really sound amazing.

[@shirleymorris7481]

No one has a voice as beautiful as Lew DeWitt

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello how are you

[@carolnushart758]

I sure do miss these men performing- they were the greatest quartet I know and this is one of my favorite songs of theirs.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello

[@nitasparacina5213]

This song will live on forever! If we’re true believers of our Savior and true to his word, well it will! Only if we’re walking in his will and to know and really know how much he loves us!!!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi nita

[@CGholl]

My favorite hymn...my Dads top 5 favorite artists...played this at Dads funeral a few months ago...a little bit sweet and a little bit painful....God bless them all!

[@evelynhicks500]

CGholl 99

[@TakersMissy]

CGholl, this was my mother's favorite hymn, and I made sure it was played at her funeral as well. What a blessing that good old gospel music is and my favorite group was and is still The Statler Brothers. :-)

[@ryankelley4072]

also played at my father's funeral

[@markdeal4465]

CGholl ...amen

[@krisbartmann8213]

We just lost a dear friend of ours to cancer. Hits close to home, as cancer STOLE my father from us 16 years ago. This was a favorite of his

[@Lizzie1550]

Lew was always my favorite...maybe because I always sang harmony as he did. My father loved this song, and especially this rendition. It was the last song we sang at his funeral. He once told me of attending a church service at the church's camp. As the final notes drifted off into the distance, he had this wonderful feeling of peace and tranquility...I hope he found it as we sent him to meet God, free of the disease and dysfunction that plagued his human body.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello how are you doing my friend

[@WilliamRNewmanJr]

This is FANTASTIC and I have grown up to them singing. Thank you Boys for all the GREAT Songs you guys have giving to us all!

[@williamdrager2382]

Lew DeWill has a beautiful voice--so sad he passed away so young.

[@corneliadenninger5395]

* Lew DeWitt!!

[@lutianmurphy4280]

Praising God with the Statler's in 2019 and telling the world How Great My God Is !!!!!!!!!!!!!!?

[@JP-20s]

I agree with you! God bless everyone...

[@michellepost5232]

They could sing anything. I grew up hearing their old songs, I especially like Do You Remember These. Harold was my favorite of the group. They had a variety show on tv, the late 1970s, I think. It only lasted one season, and I always watched it.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello how are you

[@robertlittlelaw]

Lew DeWitt: best tenor in country music. Miss them.

[@BBKlima]

Best tenor EVER! I miss him.

[@davetope5208]

Ferrantti

[@corneliadenninger5395]

Lew DeWitt 1938 - 1990 !! RIP /CD

[@TakersMissy]

I wholeheartedly agree!! He never "oversang" but blended in with the others. His voice had such a poignant sound, sometimes like a heartfelt cry. I love Lew DeWitt and The Statler Brothers; NO one will ever truly take Lew's place. :)

[@barbarashaw8136]

I agree with you 100%

[@johnwilson1851]

Lew is such a great singer...he doesn't get enough recongition

[@lindaraves528]

This great hymn was selected by my husband and me for our wedding? Four years later this was played for this wonderful husband I had at his funeral. I was 39,

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello

[@dianedizayee5211]

I am so sorry for your loss

[@catmoore28580]

Still, and always, one of the greatest praise songs

[@rose473]

their version has always been my favorite. I have missed them so much. We know where Harold is now. Eternally happy

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello how are you doing

[@westondecker68]

I remember when Lew left. I was devastated.

[@philomenaclarke449]

How beautiful hadn’t heard this before. Thank for posting

[@kermitthefrog5926]

Harold is living with his Heavenly Father now, perhaps even singing this song right now.

[@lenaarthur5235]

7

[@helenmarlowe4229]

RIP

[@RegulusFen]

not a better band nor not a better performance of this song and band - TY for this post as I have tears of joy

[@darlenelee3679]

I really miss hearing Lew DeWitt sing. I listen to them sing this song at least once a day. He has an awesome voice!

[@ecklecticgal7009]

Oh come on guys, let's stop comparing Lew and Jimmy. they were both good, equal. Just enjoy them.

[@barbarashaw8136]

Lew Dewit is always my hero after he help me by saying to me I was cute. My father had said to me I was ugly and dumb!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello

[@christiandonaldson31]

@@barbarashaw8136 hello

[@mikegibbs3030]

People these Godly Men can truly touch HEARTS...MAKE you stop and think about your lives and how much GOD really means to each of us....HOW GREAT THOU ART!!!!!

[@SuperSandisandi]

such wonderful harmony!!I love these guys!

[@brandonriggs1788]

Brings my childhood back. Grandpa playing his guitar and the two of us singing this song. I am glad he taught me about the Statlers and their music.

[@nancyblood9738]

I totally love this group. RIP Harold

[@okbobralph]

No greater thought,standing before GOD,singing or saying to him,HOW GREAT THOU ART.

[@MrJckpttsn]

Bravo! One of the great classics sung with great harmony! Love the Statler Bros.

[@edwinlonas2162]

What an awesome group. Beautiful song!

[@loribreeuwsma]

I love gospel music and grew up listening and singing to it. I especially listened to you folks and love your music. I truly wish you all the best.

[@killwrath]

I'm guessing this was '81 or '82. Lew was in his early 40's here but looks 20 years older. Years of suffering from Crohn's disease plus I believe one or two surgeries around this time had taken its toll. I think the best thing that ever happened to him was leaving the group in '82 to get away from the pressures of touring. One of the best tenor voices before or since.

[@sandym5027]

I saw the Statlers four times in the early 70's and Lew was with them every time. He really doesn't look well in this video. I miss his wonderful voice. I agree, one of the best tenor voices before or since.

[@christinespaulding3424]

When my husband died half my heart died with him he is the love of my life. Then my youngest son died at the age of 26, the rest of my heart died with him. Two years later my only daughter died and I was just empty inside. When I start to feel empty I love to listen to your music, that-you so much for singing.

[@jenniferblake696]

Christine Spaulding It is terrible to suffer such loss The pain of loosing a child no matter how old they are is terrible. There is no pain on this earth like it I have lost 2 daughters a treasured step daughter a 10 month old grand daughter, a baby grand son and my 22 year old grand son I raised since the death of my daughter God Bless and Keep You Christine In Jesus Precious Name

[@christinespaulding3424]

Jennifer Blake your right the pain is a great pain! I believe it is God's way of making us stronger in life to endure hardships and have compassion for others. Compassion is extremely important for us to have , people need to understand that we are not in control of this world God is. I've tried to teach my kids to be kind and try to understand people. Love God and always walk in truth, God will be with us in whatever trials come our way. One of my favorite poems is Foot Prints In The Sand. My two children that died loved the serenity pray. I'm very thankful that my husband and children believe in God!! May you always walk in God's light

[@andreackerman7023]

No doctor can prescribe better medicine, in lonely, and despair times!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello

[@christiandonaldson31]

@@jenniferblake696 hello

[@garyrobinson2694]

I miss these guys so much. Once in awhile I can't help but go down memory lane and put on a statler bros. cd. Well done guys well done

[@annecrocker1327]

How Great Thou Art is one of my favorite gospel hymns. I have several others but since I haven't looked through a hymn book since the sixth of this month I don't off hand remember them, maybe on the twentieth of this month when I am in the sanctuary again I will get a chance to look up my other favorite gospel hymns and composers

[@BCFB09]

Lew DeWitt was one of my Mother-In Law’s favorite singers, Lew performed at several small concerts, which We were able to attend and We left the concert with signed picture and one of his guitar picks which he threw and it landed at my feet!!!!