The Abominable “O Holy Night”: Revealed
SM: I have a 1/4” tape copy of the original recording mixes with CC choir and Guy singing. I have the split track version with music on the left and choir only on the right, I have the stereo track with no vocals at all of the exact track you have heard, and I have the original orchestration, note-for-note. You can follow along with the song and see every note I wrote.
JG: Steve, thanks so much for your time, but most importantly for your gift to humanity.
SM: The gift given to me by God is musical talent. I use my talent in film, television, recordings and live shows to enhance the artist, build drama, and push the emotional buttons people have through the notes I write and record. Many years ago I questioned my calling to do what I do and I felt God gave me this mandate to, “Lift the spirits of mankind.”
So if I write a classical piece that lifts people’s spirits I have succeeded. If I work on a country song that lifts people’s spirits then I have succeeded. As for me, I don’t care if people are laughing at me and my performance because I know I am doing what God has planned for me to do, lift their spirits…if that is His plan, mission accomplished.
Posted on November 12, 2007 12:00 AM
Comments
brilliant - absolutely brilliant. I enjoyed the minute by minute the most as I recall how awkward that recording really is.
Posted by: hannah | November 16, 2007 11:34 AM
I am so happy to hear this story. I have probably listened to that recording dozens of times and it has indeed lifted my spirits. Thanks brother.
Posted by: Basem | November 19, 2007 1:47 AM
This is an excellent example of the kind of Christian karaoke that finally sent screaming out of the church for good.
Posted by: Mike | December 7, 2007 9:13 AM
I got an MP3 copy several years ago and about died laughing. I played it for my choir director Mom -- and she didn't laugh. It really upset her -- she was always a purist when it came to hymns.
But I have to credit her on this -- she was always certain that this was a professional effort. She told me that there was no way that someone that bad could get into a studio and put together something so clearly wretched. I'm not really upset to hear the truth -- it's nice to know (once again) that my Mom always knew what she was talking about, especially when it came to music.
Posted by: Doug | December 13, 2007 9:55 AM
The claim by this individual is impossible. I have been listening to this version of 'O Holy Night' for a few years. In fact it has become tradition in my family to play it for relatives at Christmas time since about 2004. I even have the dated files to prove it.
Posted by: Russell | December 25, 2007 12:44 PM
Steve claims he recorded the song in 1990, so that would've fit your timeline, Doug.
Posted by: Jordan Green | December 25, 2007 8:36 PM
Please don't take this down till Christmas 2008 passes - if ever.
As a former church music director, special events coordinator, I've dealt with "talent" in the church (quotation marks around "talent" are on purpose).
Never have I head anything as abominable and HILARIOUSLY FUNNY as this and have emailed your link to family and scores of friends.
Thanks Jordan Green for finding who to blame for this musical debacle - haha! Love it!
Posted by: Joe Johnston - Web Developer | August 4, 2008 11:48 AM
I think this guy needs some voice lessons. How he makes things work in Hollywood is beyond me>>>????
Posted by: Anonymous | November 25, 2008 1:01 PM