He – Al Hibbler | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#1) and R&B (#1); 1955
Story Behind The Song By Harris Sterling
In 1955, Al Hibbler released He, a spiritual ballad written by Jack Richards and Richard Mullan. The song reflected the continued presence of religious-themed material on mainstream radio during the mid-1950s.
Produced by Decca Records, the recording featured orchestral accompaniment that underscored Hibbler’s rich baritone voice. Released in the spring of 1955, He reached #1 on the Billboard Pop chart and also topped the R&B chart.
The lyric centers on Christian devotion, describing the power and guidance attributed to Christ. Rather than narrative storytelling, the song presents a reverent affirmation of faith.
He became one of Al Hibbler’s most successful recordings and remains a notable example of gospel-influenced pop crossover success in the 1950s.
This content was created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Harris Sterling. © 2026 Harris Sterling. All rights reserved.
Produced by:
Decca Records Production
Lyrics Written by:
Jack Richards
Richard Mullan
Awards:
No Grammy Awards were awarded at the time of its release.
Harris Sterling
Independent music label executive Harris Sterling has worked in the music industry for most of his career.
As Executive Vice President for independent music label Madacy Entertainment, he led the strategic marketing and business development for the label, negotiating agreements with the major record labels to release custom music compilations under license with major brands, such as Ford Motor Company, Crayola, Care Bears and Elvis Presley Enterprises.
Harris also led Madacy’s strategy for the licensing of its entire music catalogue to Apple for their launch of the IPOD.
In 2011, Harris co-founded Starting Five Media, a company that specializes in recording and licensing custom renditions of popular songs as well as clearing the rights to the music composition for use by their clients in media projects.
Harris has negotiated publishing and master recording rights for many Top 40 songs for use in various media projects, TV Commercials and more.