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Top 10 Versions of "O Holy Night" by Christian & Gospel Arists

Traditional religious Christmas carol

By , About.com Guide

"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. Gaither Vocal Band

Gaither Vocal Band - Christmas Gaither Vocal Band StyleGaither Music

The Gaither Vocal Band rendition of the classic carol has a very "larger-than-life ballad" sound to it, making it a huge reminder that the night that Christ was born was larger than anything.

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2. MercyMe

MercyMe - The Christmas SessionsINO 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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3. Smokie Norful

Smokie Norful - Limited EditionEMI 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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4. Newsong

Newsong - The Christmas ShoesReunion Records
Newsong delivers with majesty and meaning on their rendition of "O Holy Night."

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5. Jim Brickman

Jim Brickman - PeaceWindham Hill Records
Fully instrumental, Jim Brickman's version of "O Holy Night" is as stirring as it is memorable.

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6. David Phelps

David Phelps - O Holy Night... A Live Christmas CelebrationWord 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. Third Day

Third Day - Christmas OfferingsCourtesy 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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8. Sandi Patti

Sandi Patti - Christmas with Sandi Patti: The Gift Goes OnWord
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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9. Anthony Evans

Anthony Evans - What Christmas MeansIno/Columbia

Anthony's first Christmas project came long before his time on The Voice but the talent was already there in a serious way.

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10. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Joy to the WorldSony 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.

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