John Schlitt and The Union of Sinners and Saints Re-Imagine Judy Garland's "The Birthday of a King"

Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame member John Schlitt releases a heartfelt and reimagined version "The Birthday of a King." Produced by five-time Grammy-nominated Billy Smiley and features the talents of The Union of Sinners and Saints. The lyrics contrast the humble little village of Bethlehem with the glory and greatness of Jesus Christ, who was born there. The refrain focuses on the wonderful appearance of the host of angels, and how that was a fitting celebration for the birthday of a King.
Although penned as a hymn in the late 1800s by American composers William Harold Neidlinger and Francis Fischer Powers, the song gained widespread popularity when it was recorded by Judy Garland in 1941.
"When Billy Smiley found this song from the past, I was very intrigued," says Schlitt, whose lead vocals inject a gentle rock n' roll vibe into the traditional hymn. "When I realized it was Judy Garland who was singing it, I was totally thrilled. It's a beautiful song for a beautiful season."
"John's vocals are unbelievable on this classic rendition of a Christmas favorite," says Smiley. "We wanted to fit a classic into what we do as a group, and we had a great time doing 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 from iTunes, or Amazon.com. Click here for a complete list of streaming and purchasing outlets, or click here to listen now.
Tags : John Schlitt Judy Garland The Birthday of a King Christmas the union of sinners and saints the union of sinners and saints interview
Hot Trends
-
Crowder Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Leg Injury
-
Chuck Girard, Founding Member of Love Song, Shares Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
Mel Gibson’s Resurrection To Hit Theaters In Two Parts On Good Friday And Ascension Day
-
Wanda Bell Launches LadyBellRadio.com 24/7 Gospel Music Platform
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Samantha Ebert Unveils "No One knows," A Heartfelt Anthem for Those Facing Unseen Struggles
-
Author and Adventurer JT Mestdagh Shares Inspiring Journey in New Edition of "No Bad Days"
-
Lysa TerKeurst Remarries Two Years After Divorce
-
MercyMe Collaborates with Country Music Superstar Walker Hayes on a New Version of "Oh Death"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Passion's "The Lord Will Provide"
-
The Final Season: New Film "The Senior" Tells A True Story of Redemption and Resolve
-
Here Are Lyrics to Bethel Music's "The Church"
-
Sadie Robertson Huff and Husband Christian Welcome Their Third Daughter
-
Lauren Daigle Announces New Single “Let It Be A Hallelujah” Releasing August 1, 2025
Most Popular
-
Crowder Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Leg Injury
-
Chuck Girard, Founding Member of Love Song, Shares Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
Mel Gibson’s Resurrection To Hit Theaters In Two Parts On Good Friday And Ascension Day
-
Wanda Bell Launches LadyBellRadio.com 24/7 Gospel Music Platform
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Samantha Ebert Unveils "No One knows," A Heartfelt Anthem for Those Facing Unseen Struggles
-
Author and Adventurer JT Mestdagh Shares Inspiring Journey in New Edition of "No Bad Days"
-
Lysa TerKeurst Remarries Two Years After Divorce
-
MercyMe Collaborates with Country Music Superstar Walker Hayes on a New Version of "Oh Death"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Passion's "The Lord Will Provide"
-
The Final Season: New Film "The Senior" Tells A True Story of Redemption and Resolve
-
Here Are Lyrics to Bethel Music's "The Church"
-
Sadie Robertson Huff and Husband Christian Welcome Their Third Daughter
-
Lauren Daigle Announces New Single “Let It Be A Hallelujah” Releasing August 1, 2025