Beloved Hymns is a studio album by Bing Crosby released in 1951 featuring eight hymns recorded with the Ken Darby Choir and organ accompaniment on May 6, 1949.[1]

Beloved Hymns Sung by Bing Crosby
Studio album by
Released1951
Recorded1949
GenreReligious
Length23:50
LabelDecca
Bing Crosby chronology
Country Style
(1951)
Beloved Hymns Sung by Bing Crosby
(1951)
Bing and Connee
(w/ Connie Boswell)

(1952)

Reception

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Crosby researcher Fred Reynolds said of the recording session at which all eight hymns were recorded,[2] “They were all sung devoutly without any pretence of 'performance,' but nevertheless gave added support to Martin Luther’s dictum that the devil should not have all the best tunes.”

Billboard reviewed some of the individual songs released as 78 rpm records.

"What a Friend We Have In Jesus" - Choir and organ support Bing ably as he delivers a beautiful hymn simply, straightforwardly and with deep warmth.[3]

"He Leadeth Me" - Bing does this hymn with eminent strength and full affection for the chore. Should make for big sales in a quiet way for this Decca Faith disking.[4]

"O Lord, I Am Not Worthy" - Bing rarely has sung better and with more feeling than he shows on this hymnal selection. [5]

Album releases

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The songs were featured on a 10” vinyl LP numbered DL 5351[6] and in a 4-disc 45rpm box set numbered 9-258.[7]

LP track listing

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Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."He Leadeth Me"Joseph H. Gilmore, William B. Bradbury2:52
2."What a Friend We Have in Jesus"Charles Crozat Converse, Horatius Bonar, Joseph Scriven3:06
3."Rock of Ages Cleft for Me"Thomas Hastings, Augustus Toplady3:00
4."All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name"Edward Perronet, Oliver Holden2:52
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty"John B Dykes, Reginald Heber3:02
2."O God, Our Help in Ages Past"William Croft, Isaac Watts2:38
3."Mother Dear, O Pray For Me"Traditional2:59
4."O Lord, I Am Not Worthy"Traditional3:21

References

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  1. ^ "A Bing Crosby Discography". A Bing Crosby Discography. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
  2. ^ Reynolds, Fred. The Crosby Collection (Part Three: 1942-1950 ed.). John Joyce. p. 245.
  3. ^ "Billboard". Billboard. April 8, 1950.
  4. ^ "Billboard". Billboard. April 8, 1950.
  5. ^ "Billboard". Billboard. April 15, 1950.
  6. ^ "Discogs.com". Discogs.com. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
  7. ^ "Discogs.com". Discogs.com. Retrieved November 30, 2015.