LeAnn Rimes performed the famous tune as a part of a 65-year-old Christmas tradition
‘Tis the season to look back on fond Christmas memories. In 2008, LeAnn Rimes sang a beautiful rendition of “O Holy Night” to a packed crowd at the Macy’s Great Tree lighting in Atlanta, Georgia.
The lighting of the Macy’s Great Tree was a 65-year tradition, spanning from 1948 to 2013. Each year on Thanksgiving night, the giant cut pine Christmas tree was illuminated to its full glory on the highest note of “O Holy Night.” It remained lit every night through New Year’s Eve.
The tradition was abandoned in 2013 after a few incidents involving the tree, which caused damage to Macy’s store below.
LeAnn Rimes was one of many famous musicians and local groups who had the honor of performing at the beloved ceremony over the years. Rimes also recorded “O Holy Night” for her album What A Wonderful World in 2004.
The story behind “O Holy Night”
“O Holy Night” was originally based on a French poem and was put to music in 1847. Music critic John Sullivan Dwight created the English version. The Christmas ballad reflects on the momentous night that Christ was born:
“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees, oh, hear the angel voices
O night divine, O night when Christ was born.”
Ultimately, the song went on to become a season staple and has been recorded and performed by many artists, including Sherly Crow, Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood, and more.
Watch LeAnn Rimes perform “O Holy Night” at the Lighting of the Macy’s Great Tree in the video below!