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The How Great Thou Art Sessions: A Deep Dive into Elvis Presley's Gospel Recordings from FTD 2023

Introduction

For fans of Elvis Presley, the comprehensive series of releases from Follow That Dream (FTD) Records is a treasure trove of rare and unheard material from the King of Rock and Roll. Among the many gems in the FTD catalog are the How Great Thou Art Sessions, which offer a unique insight into the creation of one of Elvis' most beloved gospel albums. In this article, we'll explore the background, content, and significance of the How Great Thou Art Sessions, shedding light on the musical and historical importance of these recordings.

Background

The How Great Thou Art Sessions encompass the recordings made by Elvis Presley in May and June 1966 at the RCA Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. These sessions resulted in the album How Great Thou Art, which was released in February 1967 and became Elvis' first Grammy-winning album in the gospel category. The album featured a mix of traditional hymns, contemporary gospel tunes, and a few original compositions, with Elvis' powerful voice and deep emotional connection to the material on full display.

Content

The How Great Thou Art Sessions spanned eight days of recording, with a total of 28 completed masters and several incomplete or alternate takes. The FTD release, titled 'The How Great Thou Art Sessions: Deluxe Edition,' includes all of these masters, along with outtakes, false starts, and studio chatter, providing a comprehensive look at the creative process behind the album.

Among the highlights of the FTD release are:

1. Alternate Takes: These are alternate versions of the songs that appear on the original album, offering a glimpse into how the arrangements and performances evolved over the course of the sessions.
2. Incomplete Takes: These are recordings of songs that were started but not completed during the sessions, showcasing Elvis' willingness to experiment and his dedication to finding the perfect take.
3. Studio Chatter: The FTD release includes snippets of conversation between Elvis, the musicians, and the studio staff, shedding light on the friendly and collaborative atmosphere in the studio.
4. Bonus Tracks: The Deluxe Edition also includes several bonus tracks from other gospel recording sessions, providing additional context and insight into Elvis' commitment to gospel music.

Significance

The How Great Thou Art Sessions are significant for several reasons. First, they demonstrate Elvis' deep connection to gospel music and his dedication to sharing this passion with his fans. Throughout his career, Elvis returned to gospel music again and again, and the How Great Thou Art Sessions offer a unique window into his vocal and emotional range in this genre.

Second, the sessions provide valuable insight into the creative process behind one of Elvis' most successful and enduring albums. By including outtakes, alternate takes, and studio chatter, the FTD release offers a comprehensive look at how Elvis and his collaborators crafted a classic gospel record.

Finally, the How Great Thou Art Sessions are an essential part of the larger narrative of Elvis' career and his impact on American music. As one of the most influential and successful artists of the 20th century, Elvis' commitment to gospel music is an often-overlooked aspect of his legacy. The sessions emphasize the importance of this genre in Elvis' life and work, reminding us of the power of music to inspire, uplift, and connect.

Conclusion

The How Great Thou Art Sessions from FTD are an invaluable resource for Elvis Presley fans and scholars alike. By offering a deep dive into the creation of one of Elvis' most beloved gospel albums, the FTD release sheds light on the musical, historical, and personal significance of these recordings. Through the inclusion of alternate takes, incomplete recordings, studio chatter, and bonus tracks, the Deluxe Edition provides a comprehensive and engaging look at Elvis' dedication to gospel music and his commitment to sharing this passion with his fans. Whether you're a long-time Elvis enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the How Great Thou Art Sessions are an essential addition to your musical library and a testament to the enduring power of gospel music.

**Beyond the Music:**

These sessions are more than just recordings; they are a window into Elvis Presley's soul. They offer a glimpse into the complexities of his character, revealing his vulnerability, his humility, and his profound connection to his faith. The 'How Great Thou Art' sessions stand as a reminder that Elvis Presley was not just a rock and roll star; he was also a man of deep faith, whose spiritual journey resonated with millions around the world.

**A Timeless Gift:**

Thanks to the efforts of FTD, the 'How Great Thou Art' sessions are now readily available for fans to appreciate. They offer a remarkable opportunity to delve into Elvis's spiritual side, to discover the depth of his faith, and to witness the power of his artistry, transcending the boundaries of genre and time.

The 'How Great Thou Art' sessions are more than just recordings; they are a testament to the enduring power of music, faith, and the human spirit. They remind us that Elvis Presley was, and will always be, a complex and multifaceted individual, whose legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

5xCD collection of masters and outtakes, presented in an 8”x8” slipcase with a 28-page booklet featuring notes, photos, session data and memorabilia.

DISC 1 The Masters

How Great Thou Art
In The Garden
Somebody Bigger Than You And I
Farther Along
Stand By Me
Without Him
So High
Where Could I Go But To The Lord
By And By
If The Lord Wasn’t Walking By My Side
Run On
Where No One Stands Alone
Love Letters
Come What May
Tomorrow Is A Long Time
Down In The Alley
I’ll Remember You
If Every Day Was Like Christmas
Indescribably Blue
Fools Fall In Love
Beyond The Reef (original overdubbed master)

DISC 2

Run On (Takes 1 & 2)
Run On (Takes 3 – 6)
How Great Thou Art (Takes 1 & 2)
Stand By Me (Takes 1 & 2)
Stand By Me (Takes 3 – 7)
Stand By Me (Takes 8 – 10)
Stand By Me (Take 11/M)
Where No One Stands Alone (Take 1)
Where No One Stands Alone (Takes 2 & 3)
Where No One Stands Alone (Take 4)
Where No One Stands Alone (work parts 1 – 4)
Where No One Stands Alone (work part 5)
Where No One Stands Alone (work part 6)
Where No One Stands Alone (splice of takes 4 & 1/M)

DISC 3

Down In The Alley (Take 1)
Down In The Alley (Takes 2 – 6)
Down In The Alley (Takes 7 – 9/M)
Tomorrow Is A Long Time (Takes 1 & 2)
Tomorrow Is A Long Time (Take 3/M)
Love Letters (Takes 1 & 2)
Love Letters (Takes 3 – 7)
Love Letters (Take 8 )
Love Letters (Take 9/M)
So High (Take 1)
So High (Takes 2 & 3)
So High (Take 4/M)
Farther Along (Takes 1 & 2)
Farther Along (splice of Take 3 and one line from Take 2/M)
By And By (Takes 1 – 4)
By And By (Takes 5 – 9)
By And By (Take 10/M)

DISC 4

In The Garden (Takes 1 – 3/M)
Beyond The Reef (Takes 1 & 2/M – undubbed master)
Somebody Bigger Than You And I (Takes 1 – 8 )
Somebody Bigger Than You And I (Takes 9 – 11)
Somebody Bigger Than You And I (Take 12)
Somebody Bigger Than You And I (Takes 13 – 15)
Somebody Bigger Than You And I (Take 16)
Somebody Bigger Than You And I (work parts 1 – 4)
Somebody Bigger Than You And I (work part 5)
Somebody Bigger Than You And I (work part 6)
Somebody Bigger Than You And I (splice of Take 16 and work part 6/M)
Without Him (Take 1)
Without Him (Takes 2 – 8 )
Without Him (Takes 9 – 14)
Without Him (Take 15/M)
If The Lord Wasn’t Walking By My Side (Take 1)
If The Lord Wasn’t Walking By My Side (Takes 2 – 4)
If The Lord Wasn’t Walking By My Side (Take 5/M)
If The Lord Wasn’t Walking By My Side (Take 6)
Where Could I Go But To The Lord (Takes 1 & 2/M)

DISC 5

Come What May (Takes 1 & 2)
Come What May (Takes 3 & 4)
Come What May (Takes 5 & 6)
Come What May (Take 7)
Come What May (Take 8/M)
Fools Fall In Love (Takes 1 – 4)
Fools Fall In Love (Take 5/M)
Indescribably Blue (instrumental track Take 7 and work parts 1 & 2)
I’ll Remember You (instrumental track Takes 17 – 19/M)
If Everyday Was Like Christmas (instrumental track Takes 8 – 9/M)
Indescribably Blue (vocal overdub Take 1 to instrumental track 7 and work part 1)
Indescribably Blue (vocal overdub Take 2 to instrumental track 7 and work part 1/M)
I’ll Remember You (vocal overdub Take 1 to instrumental track 19)
I’ll Remember You (vocal overdub Take 2 to instrumental track 19)
I’ll Remember You (splice of vocal overdub Takes 1 & 3 to instrumental track 19)
I’ll Remember You (splice of vocal overdub Takes 1 & 3 to instrumental track 19 / unedited d/M)
If Every Day Was Like Christmas (vocal overdub Takes 1 & 2/M to instrumental track 9 / undubbed/M