Charley Pride and Jussi Bjorling?

Question

Since the death of Charley Pride a few days ago, I have been listening to his beautiful music...including Christmas songs, including O Holy Night.

So YouTube began feeding me more renderings of O Holy Night! Not only Enrico Caruso, Placido Domingo, Mario Lanza...but also wonderful tenors I have not known before. Here is the magnificent Swedish tenor, Jussi Bjorling. Even the photos tugged my heart, because I grew up in SW Washington State logging country, amongst lots of rugged Swedes who came for the timber. And for a long time I thought everybody in the world looked like this, the Nordic bone structure...

...and here is Charley Pride, his lovely country baritone rendering...

Answer 1

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Answer 2

I was wondering when Jussi was going to hit a high B flat toward the end of the carol; he finally did at 8:40, but maybe he had to be in extra fine voice to do it.

Answer 3

With overflowing heart, I was corresponding last night with the fellow who posted those...he is in UK...he indicated the 1959 recording is especially well-loved. And that many Swedes do not consider Christmas complete until they have listened to Jussi!

Answer 4

Charley Pride was a real favorite of mine.  Thanks for sharing his wonderful version of my favorite carol. 

Answer 5

Yes Jan, I was surprised at just how beautiful this song is, sung country. I remember listening to Charley Pride in the 1970's, and now again...just a wonderful artist.