The Christmas carol “We Three Kings” was first published in 1863 by Rev. John Henry Hopkins (1820-1891) and featured in a Christmas pageant at the General Theological Sem­in­ary in New York. (Cyber Hymnal) The inspiration for this arrangement comes from the Biblical account that “wise men from the East came to Jerusalem saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’” (Matt. 2:2, emphasis added.)

Jonathan offers a fresh take on this traditional carol. He employs the instruments of classical Indian music, such as the tablas and the sitar, but he also brings his own Western influences to this arrangement for a thoroughly unique experience.

Works Cited
Cyber Hymnal. 20 November 2005. 4 December 2011.
The English Standard Version Bible. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2009.

Jonathan Meharry has always loved music; as a child he loved to sing and his musical family encouraged him to pursue his passion. He started creating his own music at age seven when he started playing the guitar. At age ten he took up piano. His father recalls sitting down and showing Jonathan a few simple chords; Jonathan’s ear for music helped him take those chords and go far beyond what he’d been shown. With the help of his parents he recorded his first CD, a collection of instrumental arrangements, at Gaither Studios. He was only 14 years old at the time. Jonathan took a semester out of college to create his next CD, To the End, which was recorded in Nashville in 2005 and showcases a more mature and defined style, including original compositions by Jonathan. “We Three Kings” is the latest release by Jonathan and represents a further evolution of his style and growth. Look for a full Christmas CD to accompany this single by November 2012.

Jonathan has been influenced by many artists throughout his career, but especially Chris Rice, The Fray, Sara Groves, Coldplay, Jim Brickman, The Weepies, and for this song especially, Aradhna.