Mary, Did You Know ? is a Christmas song with lyrics written by Mark Lowry and music written by Buddy Greene.
Mary, Did You Know ? was originally recorded by Christian recording artist Michael English on his self-titled debut solo album in 1991. At the time, English and Lowry were members of the Gaither Vocal Band, and Greene was touring with them. The song reached number six on CCM Magazine's Adult Contemporary Chart. In 1993, the second singer (and first secular artist) to record the song was Country singer Kathy Mattea on her album Good News, which won the Grammy Award for Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album. Lowry would record the song several times himself, most notably with the Gaither Vocal Band on their 1998 Christmas album, Still the Greatest Story Ever Told. The song has since gone on to become a modern Christmas classic, recorded by hundreds of artists over the years, across multiple genres. Several recordings have reached the top ten in various Billboard charts. The song encourages contemplation of the relationship between Mary and her son.
Buddy Greene (born October 30, 1953) is an American singer, songwriter, guitar player and harmonica player. Most of his recordings consist of gospel music with a distinctly Southern gospel flavor. Much of his music is influenced by country music and bluegrass music. He grew up in Macon, Georgia. Greene also wrote Recovering Pharisee recorded by Del McCoury, and He Is recorded by Ashley Cleveland. He is considered a harmonica legend by many, and once played a classical harmonica medley at Carnegie Hall. A duet version was recorded by Wynonna Judd and Kenny Rogers on Rogers' holiday album The Gift. The song was used as the basis for a stage musical, written by David Guthrie and Bruce Greer and also titled Mary, Did You Know ? which won the 1999 Gospel Music Association Dove Award for Musical of the Year.
