Songwriter. He was an American musician and songwriter. Born Charles A. Glenn, he was known as Artie. His greatest professional achievement was writing the song, "Crying In the Chapel," which was written for his high-school-age son Darrell to sing. His band the Rhythm Riders, backed his son on the record. It reached number 4 on the Country chart and number 9 on The Hot 100. The Orioles, Rex Allen, June Valli and Elvis Presley all had hits with "Crying In the Chapel." It became a million seller for Rex Allen but Elvis' version went to number one. Elvis Presley first recorded this song on an album in 1960, but the song was released as a single by Presley until 1965. It was also recorded by Ella Fitzgerald and Eddy Arnold. The inspiration for the soulful song came when Artie Glenn was recovering from spinal surgery. From his bed in the hospital, he vowed to become closer to God. Later, he kept his promise and went to the church nearest his home. It is told he walked to the front of the church with tears rolling down his cheeks and the inspiring words came to him. A version of the song recorded by Sonny Till and the Orioles was heard in the movie "Just Cause." When Sean Connery walks into a house and finds some mutilated bodies, "Crying in the Chapel" is playing on a radio. Artie Glenn played guitar and bass fiddle in many bands, including a stint with the Light Crust Doughboys. He wrote many other songs, some of which were recorded by Bob Wills and others. He wrote a gospel album for TV evangelist Kenneth Copeland. His gravestone says he was born on January 23rd, but the Texas death index has his birthdate as January 15th.
Songwriter. He was an American musician and songwriter. Born Charles A. Glenn, he was known as Artie. His greatest professional achievement was writing the song, "Crying In the Chapel," which was written for his high-school-age son Darrell to sing. His band the Rhythm Riders, backed his son on the record. It reached number 4 on the Country chart and number 9 on The Hot 100. The Orioles, Rex Allen, June Valli and Elvis Presley all had hits with "Crying In the Chapel." It became a million seller for Rex Allen but Elvis' version went to number one. Elvis Presley first recorded this song on an album in 1960, but the song was released as a single by Presley until 1965. It was also recorded by Ella Fitzgerald and Eddy Arnold. The inspiration for the soulful song came when Artie Glenn was recovering from spinal surgery. From his bed in the hospital, he vowed to become closer to God. Later, he kept his promise and went to the church nearest his home. It is told he walked to the front of the church with tears rolling down his cheeks and the inspiring words came to him. A version of the song recorded by Sonny Till and the Orioles was heard in the movie "Just Cause." When Sean Connery walks into a house and finds some mutilated bodies, "Crying in the Chapel" is playing on a radio. Artie Glenn played guitar and bass fiddle in many bands, including a stint with the Light Crust Doughboys. He wrote many other songs, some of which were recorded by Bob Wills and others. He wrote a gospel album for TV evangelist Kenneth Copeland. His gravestone says he was born on January 23rd, but the Texas death index has his birthdate as January 15th.
Bio by: Jane Stacy Eubanks
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YOU SAW ME CRYING IN THE CHAPEL,
THE TEARS I SHED WERE TEARS OF JOY;
I KNOW THE MEANING OF CONTENTMENT,
NOW I AM HAPPY WITH THE LORD.
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