“Mary, Did You Know?”: The Story Behind the Song and the Singer Who Made It Famous
“Mary, Did You Know?” is a religious song that asks several questions of Mary, the mother of Jesus. “Mary, Did You Know?” is meant to get the listener thinking about the miracle that is the birth of Jesus. The song is not only interesting because of that, but also because of the fate of the singer, Michael English. Interestingly, someone who could sing such a religious song could be so flawed. That probably means that we are all flawed, and it is okay. Do you find this song inspirational?
“Mary, Did You Know?” Explanation
“Mary, Did You Know?” is a religious Christmas song that was written in 1985 by Mark Lowery and was set to music by Buddy Greene in 1991. It was originally recorded by Christian music artist Michael English in 1991, the same year the lyrics were set to music.
“Mary, Did You Know?” reached number six on the Adult Contemporary chart. Kathy Mattea later recorded the song for her album “Good News,” which won the 1993 Grammy for Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album. Lowry went on to record the song many times, including in 1998 with the “Gaither Country Group” on the album “Still the Greatest Story Ever Told.”
“Mary, Did You Know?” has gone on to be recorded by many artists over the years and has reached the Billboard Music top ten many times. The song has been praised by Christian theologians. It encourages listeners to think about the relationship between Mary and her son Jesus.
The song asks several questions of the mother of God. Some of the questions asked include: Mary, did you know you were raising God? and Mary, did you know that one day your baby would walk on water? Another question is, Mary, did you know that your baby boy would give sight to the blind?
The song has been recorded by many artists over the years. Some of the more noteworthy recordings include ones by Pentatonix, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Rogers, Wynonna Judd, CeeLo Greene, and Reba McEntire, Clay Aiken and Jonathan Smith. Each performance of this hymn reinforces the message of Awe, Faith, and Divine Love.
Michael English
Michael English, the singer of the version of “Mary, Did You Know?,” was born on April 13, 1962. He was the lead singer of the Gaither Vocal Group. His highest charting single was “Your Love Amazes Me.” That song reached number ten on the Adult Contemporary chart.
He was born in Kenansville, North Carolina. He first performed in his family’s singing group, the “Singing Samaritans.” He was in that group from 1972 to 1980. Then he joined “The Singing Americans,” and shortened his name to Michael English.
English has had an active career and personal life. He joined the Gaither Vocal Band as the lead singer in 1985. He recorded “Mary, Did You Know?” in 1991. He was named Male Vocalist of the Year by GMA in 1994. In 1994, his solo album, “Hope,” was the album of the year in 1994.
He rose to fame there and got his first taste of fame. How swift was his fall? Just a week after he received his awards in 1994, he had an affair with Maribeth Jordan, who got pregnant. His label dropped him and he lost all of his endorsements.
English made a comeback in September of 1996, when he released his solo album “Freedom.” That album was critically acclaimed, and the lead song on the Album, “Your Love Amazes Me,” was his biggest hit. He released other solo albums and continued to record with the Gaither Music Band, left, and came back again
Currently, it is said that he is ailing somewhat with back and neck problems. He became addicted to painkillers, but kicked the habit, and in 2021 he released a best of album.
Conclusion
“Mary, Did You Know?” could best be characterized by some as a Christian rock song. It does force the listener to take Mary’s relationship with her son Jesus seriously. That said, the primary singer of the song has led a star-crossed life.
