1965 Soulful Hit Covered by Elvis Is Trending Again and Stirring Emotions
A decades-old Loretta Lynn gospel recording is finding new life on TikTok, soundtracking videos that celebrate beauty, gratitude, and moments that quietly bring users to tears.
From peaceful thoroughbreds to gentle falling rain to even the simplest things, like lace curtains, Lynn's soulful "How Great Thou Art" is transforming everyday scenes into something more reverent. And the 1965 track, which blends traditional Christian devotion with Lynn's country warmth, is still resonating with listeners all these decades later.
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♬ How Great Thou Art - Loretta Lynn
Lynn recorded the hymn for her fifth studio and first gospel album, Hymns, which peaked at No. 10 on Billboard's Hot Country Albums and stayed on the chart for 17 weeks. Though never released as a single, "How Great Thou Art" endures as a quiet standout in the country legend's vast discography.
The origins of "How Great Thou Art" go back even further. The hymn started as an 1885 Swedish poem by Carl Boberg, inspired by a thunderstorm and a calm moment, according to American Songwriter. Over time, it was translated and set to music, reaching Americans in the 1950s through George Beverly Shea, a soloist for evangelist Billy Graham's crusades.
By then, the song was already becoming one of the most recognized hymns worldwide. Later recordings - from Elvis Presley's Grammy-winning 1967 version to Carrie Underwood's 2011 chart-topping cover - introduced it to new generations.
Now, it's Lynn's version enjoying renewed attention. It shows that even the quietest recordings can experience a powerful second life.
Related: 1975 Classic Rock Anthem Became Rare Hit to Chart Across 3 Decades
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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 3:26 PM.