O beautiful star of Bethlehem
Shine upon us until the glory dawns
Give us a lamp to light the way
Unto the land of perfect day
O beautiful star of Bethlehem
Shine on
I grew up in a musical family. I majored in music during college and played professionally for many years. But, I was a classical musician and my knowledge of country, rock and roll and pop music was very limited.
In 2005, Clay Aiken introduced me to another style of music. In a special Christmas gift to his Grandfather, Clay performed “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem,” a bluegrass song. It was a poignant moment and I loved the entire performance. However, I wanted to know…….what, exactly, is bluegrass music.
Bluegrass music is a part of country music and is pure American music. Bluegrass was inspired by the music of immigrants from Ireland and the United Kingdom. It also has some African-American inspiration with a touch of jazz and blues.
Bluegrass relies mostly on acoustic stringed instruments. The fiddle, five string banjo, acoustic guitar, mandolin and the upright bass are traditional instruments in bluegrass music. Sometimes, the resonator guitar is added.
Traditional elements are important. The musicians play folk songs with simple traditional chord progressions. A distinguishing characteristic of bluegrass is vocal harmony featuring two, three, or four parts.
Bluegrass, as a style, developed during the mid-1940s some time after World War II. It wasn’t called bluegrass back then. It was just called old time mountain hillbilly music. One of the most popular hillbilly musicians was Bill Monroe and since he was from Kentucky, the bluegrass state, the music was named bluegrass.
I doubt if there was a dry eye in the concert hall when Clay sang for his grandfather. This one-time performance was a gift from the heart to Clay’s Papa.
We are lucky that there is Clack from this concert. This beautiful song is not only a tribute to Bluegrass music, but a special performance filled with love.
I hope you enjoy this YouTube by Hosaa.
Do you remember this special moment?
What a wonderful gift! Clay singing a special song to his grandfather! I remember Clay mentioned in his book, that when he was a small boy, he would sing along with the radio with his grandfather lying beside him! Heart-warming! Thanks for the Clay memory!
I love this song, it's beautiful, especially sung by Clay. Thanks Musicfan.
Loved this!!!! One of my favourite videos at Christmas. Loved how you could hear Clay's Grandpa voice in the background. "Go Boy Go"!!!!! Thanks Musicfan…This certainly brightened my day!!!!
You just have to smile while watching this video of Clay singing O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem to his PaPa.
Thank you so much for this! “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem ” is one of my favorite performances. I wasn’t there, but once I saw the video, I was obsessed! Thank you again!!!
OH this is true Christmas celebration. It is pure look at love. Thank you for posting this special moment
I really loved watching this beautiful song . Clay sings with love and makes the song so special. He also looks great.
Thank you for posting this special song.
Great history lesson about blue grass music. Glad Clay could do this song for his papa. It was heartfelt. The background singers were good and the pick in’ too Thanks to the clack gathers from the many concerts. Thanks to Clay and all. Merry Christmas and God bless you ❤️ INCONDITIONAL love to you Clay
What a beautiful moment. It is a very special song for love.
Thank you for posting this.
I remember seeing this performance before. It always makes me feel good. It is true Christmas love.
I am so glad I found this blog. It makes me smile everydsy
Beautiful, just beautiful! Thank you so much for posting this