More than a dozen of the greatest names in country music come together to celebrate the gospel classics that are a staple of the Grand Ole Opry on “How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites From The Grand Ole Opry,” releasing February 5.
What makes the album special is not just the play list of songs but also the voices that give them life.
Recorded live at the legendary music venue in Nashville, Tennessee, the album includes songs from stars like Loretta Lynn (“Where No One Stands Alone”), Ronnie Milsap (“Precious Lord, Take My Hand”), Alan Jackson (“Blessed Assurance”), Brad Paisley (“The Old Rugged Cross”), Carrie Underwood (“How Great Thou Art”), Trace Adkins (“Wayfaring Stranger”), Patty Loveless (“Precious Memories”), Sara Evans (“Just A Closer Walk With Thee”), Vince Gill (“Give Me Jesus”), and a duet with the Charlie Daniels Band and Third Day’s Mac Powell (a somewhat frenetically paced “I’ll Fly Away”).
I’ve never actually been in the Grand Ole Opry (unless you count being backstage in the press room during the Dove Awards, in which case then I’ve seen that room—and the bathrooms) but as I listened, I felt like the ghosts of legends long gone joined their voices on this moving tribute to a historic venue that has a place in the hearts of music fans of all ages.
–written by Joanne Brokaw