Top 10 Versions of "What Child Is This?"

Nativity scene — A nativity scene.
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Updated on June 25, 2019

The traditional religious Christmas carol "What Child Is This?" was written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix while he was on bedrest, recovering from a serious illness. The hymn was put to the traditional English melody, "Greensleeves," and it remains that way today, nearly 150 years later.

The carol has been covered by artists from just about every style of music. The following list covers the most popular versions by Christian and Gospel artists.

01

of 10

Yolanda Adams

Yolanda Adams combines "Carol Of The Bells" and "What Child Is This?" on her version of the carol and with that soaring voice and heart so obviously dedicated to the "reason for the season," you will be touched and instantly put into the holiday spirit, no matter what your frame of mind.

02

of 10

Point of Grace

Point of Grace also combines "Carol Of The Bells" and "What Child Is This?" in symphonic glory to make their rendition of the classic an instant holiday hit.

03

of 10

BarlowGirl

Sounding much more subdued than the rocker chicks we've come to know and love, nonetheless, the Barlow sisters add class and a touch of nostalgia to their version of the holiday favorite.

04

of 10

Third Day

Third Day's delivery of the classic "What Child Is This?" is perfectly done with added keys and a touch of rock, making it a hit for any fan of the group and anyone who loves good Christmas music.

05

of 10

Kevin Max

Kevin Max's true vocal talent and range shine through beautifully on his rendition of "What Child Is This?" The passion and feeling that come through are absolutely stunning.

06

of 10

Zoegirl

WOW Christmas Green — Word Entertainment

Zoegirl adds just enough sweetness and light to their cover of "What Child is This?" to make it more than simply memorable.

07

of 10

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. Smith on piano, pouring his heart out through his fingers equals magic. Smitty transports listeners to a quiet place on his cover of "What Child Is This?" and you're so enchanted, that you won't miss vocals at all.

08

of 10

The Praise Baby Collection

Trust me when I say that this one isn't just for babies at all. The music and vocals on The Praise Baby Collection's rendition of the Christmas Carol are outstanding and while babies will be soothed, so will moms and dads.

09

of 10

Robbie Seay Band

The Robbie Seay Band released a Christmas EP titled December three full years before being signed by Sparrow Records. With a soft, acoustic background, they delivered the promise of our Savior and of Christmas on their cover of the classic carol.

10

of 10

Wayburn Dean

Wayburn Dean brings worship to the arena with his cover of "What Child Is This?" with a sound that is quite soothing to hearts, souls and ears.

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Your Citation

Jones, Kim. "Top 10 Versions of "What Child Is This?"." Learn Religions, Feb. 16, 2021, learnreligions.com/christian-and-gospel-versions-of-what-child-is-this-709041. Jones, Kim. (2021, February 16). Top 10 Versions of "What Child Is This?". Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/christian-and-gospel-versions-of-what-child-is-this-709041 Jones, Kim. "Top 10 Versions of "What Child Is This?"." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/christian-and-gospel-versions-of-what-child-is-this-709041 (accessed May 30, 2023).