If you are a fan of gospel music, you have probably heard of Larry Strickland. Strickland is a talented singer who has been captivating audiences with his powerful performances for many years. One of his most famous songs is "How Great Thou Art," a classic hymn that has been sung by many artists over the years. In this article, we will take a closer look at Larry Strickland singing "How Great Thou Art" and explore why his rendition of this beloved song is so special.
The Origins of "How Great Thou Art"
"How Great Thou Art" is a hymn that has its roots in Sweden. It was originally written in Swedish by Carl Gustav Boberg in 1885 and was later translated into English by Stuart K. Hine. The hymn quickly became popular and has been translated into many different languages over the years. It is now one of the most widely sung hymns in the world.
Larry Strickland's Rendition of "How Great Thou Art"
Larry Strickland's rendition of "How Great Thou Art" is a truly magnificent performance. Strickland's powerful voice is perfectly suited to the soaring melody of the hymn, and his heartfelt delivery brings a new level of emotion to the already stirring lyrics. When Strickland sings "Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee," you can feel the passion and conviction in his voice.
One of the things that makes Strickland's performance of "How Great Thou Art" so special is his ability to convey the meaning of the lyrics through his singing. The hymn is a celebration of God's majesty and power, and Strickland's performance captures that sense of awe and wonder perfectly. When he sings "And when I think that God, his Son not sparing, sent him to die, I scarce can take it in," you can feel the weight of those words.
Larry Strickland's Career in Gospel Music
Larry Strickland has had a long and successful career in gospel music. He began singing in church as a child and later joined the gospel group The Stamps Quartet. In the 1980s, he became a member of the legendary gospel group The Imperials, where he sang alongside Elvis Presley's former backup singers. Strickland has also performed with other well-known gospel groups, including The Gaither Vocal Band and The Jordanaires.
In addition to his work as a performer, Strickland is also a talented songwriter and has written songs for many gospel artists. His contributions to the genre have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
The Meaning of "How Great Thou Art"
At its core, "How Great Thou Art" is a hymn of praise and adoration. The lyrics express the singer's awe and reverence for God's power and majesty. The hymn is divided into four verses, each one building on the previous one to create a sense of wonder and awe.
The first verse begins with the words "O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder," setting the tone for the rest of the hymn. The second verse focuses on the beauty of nature and how it reflects God's greatness. The third verse is a meditation on the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity and how it demonstrates God's love. The final verse is a joyful celebration of God's goodness and the hope of eternal life.
Conclusion
Larry Strickland's rendition of "How Great Thou Art" is a testament to his talent as a singer and his deep faith in God. His performance captures the beauty and power of this beloved hymn and brings a new level of emotion to its already stirring lyrics. Whether you are a fan of gospel music or simply appreciate beautiful singing, Larry Strickland's version of "How Great Thou Art" is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
