The first publication of "Away in a Manger" was in 1885 in a Lutheran Sunday school book by James R. Murray. The author of the first two verses is unknown, but the third verse was composed by John T. McFarland. The music was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick in 1895.
The carol has been covered by artists from just about every style of music. The following list covers the most popular versions by Christian & Gospel Arists.
1. Steven Curtis Chapman
Sparrow
Steven Curtis Chapman combines several classics for one incredibly beautiful medley. "Silent Night," Away In A Manger" and "O Holy Night" flow together as a very gentle reminder of what the Christmas holiday season is supposed to be all about ... Jesus.
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2. Go Fish
Go Fish Kids Records
Delivering with absolutely perfect timing and harmony, Go Fish could put even the worst Scrooge into the Christmas mood with their version of this timeless classic paired with "Beautiful Savior."
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3. Randy Travis
Word
Listening to Randy Travis sing "Away in a Manger" on Songs Of The Season brings to mind campfires and cold, still nights. It is almost possible to let your mind take you back to that first Christmas and put you right outside of the manger itself.
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4. Nicole C. Mullen
Word
"Sacred Night (Away in a Manger)" blends the classic "Away in a Manger" with Nicole's original Latin / R&B song "Sacred Night" and the result is both saucy and beautiful.
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5. Twila Paris
Star Song Music
Sounding much like an angel who is singing as the drama of the birth unfolds, Twila Paris will enhance any holiday moment with her rendition of the classic carol.
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6. Jim Brickman
Windham Hill Records
Jim Brickman's treatment of "Away in a Manger" is as soothing as it is beautiful. Piano and very light strings give this carol an elegant feel and while you most certainly know the lyrics, the music takes you to a place that doesn't require you to sing them.
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7. Michael W. Smith
Reunion Records
Smitty's daughter Anna singing with such pure wonder is what puts his version of "Away in a Manger" over the top.
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8. Co3
Flagship Records
The single release of the "Away In A Manger Medley" blends "Away In A Manger," "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Noel" and ends with the poignant line, "born is the King of Israel."
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9. Kevin Max
Northern Records
Kevin Max keeps "Away In A Manger" purely traditional with light horns in the background. The picture that comes to mind when I hear his rendition is the bell-ringers of my childhood, those men and women who would always have a smile. Regardless of how cold it might be, they would do what had to be done to help others less fortunate -- much like Jesus did for us. Regardless of how painful His sacrifice was, He did what had to be done for us, the less fortunate ones.
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10. Mahalia Jackson
Goldenlane Records
Putting the soul in gospel, Mahalia Jackson represents everything that was perfect about that moment ... the moment that Jesus was born in her version of "Away in a Manger."
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