We are pleased to announce the next chapter in the life of “How Great Thou Artâ€, one of the greatest hymns in the English language, first published by the missionary, Stuart K. Hine in 1949 (1953 in the US).
Effective January 1, 2010, the Stuart Hine Trust has asked EMI CMG Publishing and Hope Publishing to direct publishing and administration for this hymn in the United States after an introduction to such publishers by Manna Music, Inc. and with the blessing of Hal Spencer. Hope Publishing will handle print licensing and EMI CMG Publishing will handle all other licensing, including recordings. Administration, licensing and royalty collections outside the United States will remain unchanged as between Manna Music, Inc. and Kingsway Communications, Ltd.
How Great Thou Art is one of the world’s best-known hymns. It has earned two Grammy Awards, has been recorded by Elvis Presley and Susan Boyle, among many other artists, was voted The Nation’s Favourite Hymn in Great Britain and became the theme tune for the Rev. Billy Graham’s weekly broadcasts. The story of Stuart Hine and the origins of ‘How Great Thou Art!’ can be read on the web sites: www.howgreatthouarthymn.com and www.stuarthinetrust.com.
The income received by the Stuart Hine Trust from the use of this hymn, is given to support translation work through Wycliffe Bible Translators, retired missionaries, and a number of individuals and organizations some who were supported by Stuart during his lifetime.
Effective January 1, 2010, all new non-print license requests and print license requests for new arrangements for “How Great Thou Art†in the United States should be directed to either EMI CMG Publishing or Hope Publishing, depending on the type of use requested. There is no change for the use of this hymn through CCLI programs.
All existing licenses issued by Manna Music and other agencies prior to January 1, 2010 are still valid and royalties from those licenses should be paid to Manna or the licensing agent. All royalties derived from U.S. licenses issued on or after January 1, 2010 should be directed to Hope or EMI CMG according to licenses issued by them respectively.
‘The Stuart Hine Trust are tremendously grateful for all that Manna Music and the Spencer family have done for ‘How Great Thou Art!’ since they took responsibility in the late fifties.