Song of Joy Miguel Rios (1970) 12/26/22

While today's "Great Song of 1970" is not a Christmas song, per se, it certainly fits the season.

It's both a hymn and one of the most identifiable pieces of classical music ever written.

"Song of Joy" by Spanish singer Miguel Rios is based on the hymn "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," which was based lyrically on a 1907 poem by Henry Van Dyke. Of course, the music itself was adapted from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony."

The song was a hit all over the world, reaching #1 in Australia, Germany, Switzerland, and Canada!

In the US, it reached the top of Billboard's Easy Listening Chart and #14 on the Hot 100. Fun Fact: It was also a #2 song in Indonesia!

"Song of Joy" sold more than 4 million copies worldwide, making it the biggest selling POP version of a hymn in history--a record that still stands, 52 years later.

Overall, the song is dynamic and inspiring--thanks mostly to the amazing orchestral arrangement and the power of Miguel's voice (not to mention the choir in the background).

Unfortunately, Miguel became a one-hit wonder in the US, but what a hit! "Song of Joy" by Miguel Rios" A "Great Song of 1970, and a timeless hymn that may not be about Christmas, but certainly about Christ. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn_Xb-9Z3eg