Country musician teams up with Swedish singer for Christmas single

Gary Quinn, from Leigh, and Scandinavian musician Sophie Hanson have released a poignant recording of O Holy Night.
Gary QuinnGary Quinn
Gary Quinn

The two artists decided to create the single after realising they both loved the song, which has been covered by artists performing in a wide variety of styles.

The singers’ contrasting voices are joined by producer Richard Alex whose accompaniment on instruments including cello and electric guitar give the recording a strong rootsy feel.

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Multi-award winning artist Gary said: “I’ve always loved O Holy Night, it reminds me of family and how special it is to be with one another at Christmas time.

The cover art for Gary Quinn and Sophie Hanson's version of O Holy NightThe cover art for Gary Quinn and Sophie Hanson's version of O Holy Night
The cover art for Gary Quinn and Sophie Hanson's version of O Holy Night

“It just typifies Christmas, that is what you think of as soon as you hear it.

“The British Country Music Association wanted a Christmas song from me so when I heard Sophie’s voice and realised we both loved the song we tried it. We quickly decided what we came up with was so good that we wanted to release it.

“We wanted to keep the traditional elements of the song but add some new things too like the guitar, which covers the blues, country and Americana sound.”

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O Holy Night was recorded in Sweden and its beautiful depiction of the spiritual significance and wonder of the season is certainly a departure from Gary’s previous forays into Christmas music, a humorous song called Festive Moonshine about Santa Claus getting drunk and a duet with Jessica Clemmons from Jess and the Bandits on a love song using Christmas Eve as its theme.

Gary first got to know Sophie through an event organised by the Buckle and Boots Country Festival which brought together a number of different songwriters.

He has become a leading name on the UK’s country music scene, touring with top artists as well as performing at renowned venues in Nashville and collaborating with major US songwriters.

Meanwhile country-pop artist Sophie is from Eskilstuna in Sweden and combines her love of Americana with a Nordic twist which has brought considerable success at home and abroad.

O Holy Night, by Gary Quinn and Sophie Hanson, is out now.

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