"O Holy Night" ("Cantique de Noël") was composed by Adolphe C. Adam in 1847 to the French Christmas poem "Minuit, chrétiens" by Placide Cappeau. It was translated into English by Unitarian minister John Sullivan Dwight, editor of Dwight's Journal of Music in 1855.
On Christmas Eve 1906, Canadian inventor Reginald Fessenden broadcasted the first AM radio program and played "O Holy Night" on the violin, making the popular carol the first piece of music to be broadcast on radio.
The carol has been covered by artists from just about every style of music. The following list covers the most popular versions.
1. Smokie Norful
EMI Gospel
Smokie's voice is smooth as glass, and his passion comes through loud and clear on his rendition of the holiday favorite.
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2. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Sony Classical/Legacy
360 voices combined with the Tabernacle organ and the 11,623 pipes that make it one of the largest and most distinctive in the world make this a version that is infused with power and majesty.
3. Third Day
Courtesy of: Provident Music Group
Even the most jaded among us will get a good, healthy dose of Christmas spirit after listening to Third Day's version of the classic carol.
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4. Kevin Max
Northern Records
Kevin Max recorded his rendition of "O Holy Night" with a very bare-bones approach, letting his voice do all of the talking.
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5. Sandi Patti
Word
Back when her name was still being misspelled, Sandi Patty didn't let it stop her Christmas spirit at all. Vocally, she practically takes wing and soars on her cover of "O Holy Night," which she combines with "Jesu Bambino" for a perfect combination.
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6. David Phelps
Word Records
With a driving beat and one of the most powerful vocal deliveries you will find anywhere, David Phelps defines the word majestic with his rendition of the Christmas favorite.
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7. BarlowGirl
Fervent Records/Word
BarlowGirl gives the classic Christmas carol "O Holy Night" a rock anthem sound that reverberates to the very core.
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8. Newsong
Reunion Records
Newsong delivers with majesty and meaning on their rendition of "O Holy Night."
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9. MercyMe
INO Records
With more drums and bass than you would expect on a Christmas carol, MercyMe nevertheless still manages to make their version of the holiday classic work and sound festive without losing the importance of the season or the Savior.
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10. Jim Brickman
Windham Hill Records
Fully instrumental, Jim Brickman's version of "O Holy Night" is as stirring as it is memorable.
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