John Schlitt, Grammy and Dove Award-winning recording artist and Hall of Fame member Gospel Music Association, reunites with The Union of Sinners & Saints to deliver a heartfelt, tender and reimagined version of the classic Christmas song, “A King’s Birthday.”
The new single was produced by five-time Grammy-nominated and 26-time Dove-nominated artist/producer/songwriter Billy Smiley and features the talents of The Union of Sinners and Saints, which includes the two best-selling Christian rock bands of all time, Petra and Whiteheart, with over 15 million albums sold, 25 #1 songs, 15 Grammy and 40 Dove Awards and nominations between them.
The lyrics contrast the humble little village of Bethlehem with the glory and grandeur of Jesus Christ, who was born there. The chorus focuses on the wonderful appearance of the host of angels and how it was a fitting celebration for a king’s birthday.
Although written as a hymn in the late 1800s by American composers William Harold Neidlinger and Francis Fischer Powers, the song gained popularity when it was recorded by Judy Garland in 1941.
“When Billy Smiley discovered this song from the past, I was very intrigued,” says Schlitt, whose lead vocals inject a gentle rock ’n’ roll vibe into the traditional anthem. “When I realized it was Judy Garland singing it, I was totally thrilled. It’s a beautiful song for a beautiful season.”
“John’s vocals are incredible on this classic rendition of a Christmas favorite,” Smiley says. “We wanted to incorporate a classic into what we do as a band, and we had a blast making this Christmas version! We hope people really connect with it.”
Fans can stream the single on multiple platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Tidal, Amazon Music, Pandora and others, or purchase the song on iTunes, or Amazon.com. Click on here for a full list of streaming and purchase outlets, or click here to listen now.
John Schlitt, who has been called the greatest rock ‘n’ roll singer in the history of Christian music, is no stranger to Christmas music. The iconic singer delivered a full-length Christmas project in 2014, appropriately titled, The Christmas Project.
Schlitt kicks off The Christmas Project with what is arguably the greatest Christmas song of all time, “The Hallelujah Chorus.” While Handel’s masterpiece has been performed by a multitude of musicians over the past 250 years, no one sings “hallelujah” quite like Schlitt. “The Hallelujah Chorus” seamlessly transitions into a barn-burning, guitar-driven version of “Do You Hear What I Hear.” “Little Drummer Boy” gives Schlitt the freedom to explore his full range of vocal prowess, starting with a hushed whisper before embracing his rock roots full-throttle while clinging to the traditional melodies of the beloved Christmas carol.
Schlitt harnesses his powerful vocals for a gentle, reverent rendition of “O Holy Night,” then ramps up the intensity on “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” a rock fist pump guaranteed to get listeners’ blood flowing. The versatile singer switches the mood to pure fun with the funky Irish reel “Good Christian Men Rejoice,” then slides comfortably into the smooth, bluesy “That Spirit of Christmas,” made popular by the legendary Ray Charles.
Melancholy keys and strings embellish Schlitt’s emotionally charged vocals on the traditional arrangement “We Three Kings.” The gently lulling “What Christmas Needs to Be” leads into the project’s closing song, the reflective “What Child Is This.” “What Child Is This” provides the perfect foil for Schlitt’s signature vocal stylings, allowing him to channel his impassioned delivery through a filter of awe at the enormity of this central event in the story. The cherry on top of the Christmas confection is an original tune, “What Christmas Needs to Be,” which is destined to become a seasonal classic.
To listen to or purchase “A King’s Birthday,” click on here for a full list of streaming and purchase outlets, or click here to listen now.
The post office John Schlitt and The Union of Sinners & Saints Unveil a Reimagined Version of a Classic Christmas Song first appeared on TCB.
Author: Jessie Clarks
