Wynonna Releases Bluesy Solo Version of “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem”
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It’s officially Christmas season, and each year, country stars celebrate with their own takes on classic holiday tunes. On November 21, Wynonna Judd released a gritty solo version of the Christmas hymn, “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem.”
Wynonna says that “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” was the very first song that she learned as a young girl and that it remains one of her favorite Christmas songs of all time.
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“Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” was recorded by The Judds in 1987
Wynonna and her late mother Naomi, known as The Judds, recorded “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” in 1987 as a part of their Christmas Time with The Judds album. Now, over three decades later, Wynonna reflects on the experience of creating this reimagined version:
“Getting to re-record it with my husband & producer Cactus Moser, 35 years later, was so special to me. It’s rootsy & raw, as if we’re sitting around the fireplace singing together.”
The story behind “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem”
“Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” was written by the late R. Fisher Boyce (1887-1968) in a middle Tennessee milk barn in 1938. The Christmas hymn draws a beautiful comparison between the literal star in the sky that led the way to Bethlehem and the Star that remains a guiding light for believers to this day.
“Beautiful Star, the hope of rest, for the redeemed, the good and the blessed;
yonder in glory when the crown is won.
Jesus is now that star divine, brighter and brighter He will shine;
beautiful Star of Bethlehem, shine on.”
The song went on to become a season staple and has been recorded and performed by many artists including The Judds, Patty Loveless, The Oak Ridge Boys, Rhonda Vincent, and more.
Listen to Wynonna’s new solo version of “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” below!
