To coincide with the Easter business RCA Victor released the gospel single "His Hand In Mine" / "How Great Thou Art". It soon turned out to be a sales disaster like the seasonal singles of 1966 and wasn't listed on any chart. Today "How Great Thou Art" accumulates 13 million streams and therefore belongs to the 100 most streamed Presley tracks on Spotify. The remake (featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) clocks in at 9 million streams. "His Hand In Mine" is far less popular and was listened to just 2.7 million times.

The cover was made up with two photos shot during the production of the king's recent tv special "SINGER presents Elvis". Of RCA and Colonel Parker didn't forget to promote the gospel albums "His Hand In Mine" and "How Great Thou Art".

The single is not available on the streaming platforms, but both tracks can be heared on the accondant albums.

The hymn was written by Mosie Lister, the composer and arranger of The Statesmen. The group had released the song in 1953 and it was a favorite of Gladys and Vernon Presley. Elvis recorded five takes of "His Hand In Mine", the master was spliced of the takes 5 and 4. The harmony voice was provided by Charlie Hodge. I like the song very much.

The origin of this hymn is the Swedish song "O Store Gud", which was written in 1886 by Carl Boberg. In 1907 it was translated by Manfred von Glen to "Wie Gross Bist Du", in 1925 there was an English version called "O Mighty God, When I Behold The Wonder". Eight years later the missionaries Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Hine turned it into "How Great Thou Art", which was based on the German translation by von Glen. This final version was recorded by many singers and gospel groups, in 1962 Tennessee Ernie Ford even scored a hit on the pop charts with the hymn. Elvis recorded "How Great Thou Art" on May 25, 1966 within four takes. In 1976 RCA Victor re-released the track on the compilation "A Legendary Performer - Volume 2". Live versions can be found on the albums "Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis" (1974) and "Elvis In Concert" (1977). The performance from 1974 won the king another Grammy.