Introduction
There’s something undeniably magical about hearing a classic hymn reborn through the voices of two country music powerhouses—and that’s exactly what happened when Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill joined forces on “How Great Thou Art.” This isn’t just a song; it’s a moment that feels like a shared secret between friends, carried on soaring vocals and heartfelt instrumentation.
A Timeless Hymn
Originally penned in 1885 by Swedish evangelist Carl Boberg, “How Great Thou Art” began life as “O Store Gud,” set to a simple folk melody that captured a community’s awe at nature’s beauty.When English missionary Stuart K. Hine translated it into English after hearing a Russian rendition, the hymn took on new life—eventually becoming one of the most recorded gospel songs ever.
A Night to Remember
On April 4, 2011, at the ACM Presents: Girls’ Night Out special, Underwood and Gill stepped into the spotlight for a duet that transcended genres. Televised on CBS on April 22, the performance earned a standing ovation so thunderous it felt like the walls of the auditorium were applauding right along with the crowd. Within hours, the single shot to No. 1 on iTunes’ Top Gospel Songs and cracked the Top 40 across all genres.
The Emotional Connection
Listening to Gill’s warm, honeyed tones weaving around Underwood’s crystal-clear soprano is like watching two longtime friends finish each other’s sentences—each note brimming with reverence and joy. You can almost feel the hush settle over the audience as they recognize a moment of pure, unfiltered worship, followed by an eruption of cheers that sounds more like a celebration of community than a concert.
Legacy of the Performance
That unforgettable rendition didn’t just live in the moment—it earned a spot on Underwood’s 2014 Greatest Hits: Decade #1 album, immortalizing the duet for fans old and new. To this day, listeners return to the recording for that spine-tingling climax, proof that a song born in a Swedish meadow can still stir hearts on a modern stage.
Conclusion
If you haven’t experienced this performance yet, imagine sharing a quiet, soul-stirring conversation with two of country music’s finest—one where every high note feels like a hug and every chord progression whispers hope. Isn’t that the kind of musical friendship we all need?
Video
Lyrics
Oh Lord, my God
When I, in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
How great Thou art, how great Thou art