VOCTAVE - Mary Did You Know ft. Mark Lowry | Vocal Coach Reaction (& Analysis) | Jennifer Glatzhofer

[@ScottJThornton]

As the song’s lyricist, Mark’s interpretation really lets us see how he and Buddy Green conceived of this piece. With his MS (multiple sclerosis) he needed to be seated to help with his strength and support, making his two long-held notes even more impressive. Voctave’s beautiful choral arrangement (courtesy of Jamey Ray) gives a powerful backing when called for, while also pulling back and allowing Mark to shine. This is my favorite performance of this song! Thanks for the Christmas present, Jen!

[@JenniferGlatzhofer]

😁😁

[@jamesjones8482]

If Jennifer sheds tears, it has to be good. Wonderful reaction you presented to us on Christmas Day. 👍🎹👸❤

[@allstater1]

Since I love A Capella I have listened to all my favorites singing this song, which is my favorite Christmas song. All did a great job but Voctave with Mark took this song to a different level. Mark with his faith brought reverence to the fore front with this version. It was like he was really asking Mary his heart filled questions with Voctave being the Angels singing majestically on high. Greatness of an artist is making the audience feel his emotion. They achieved this in this song.

[@Andyvan92110]

I've never been able to hear this song without the tears streaming. I thought that Pentatonix's version was awesome (and it is), but this is even better. This is THE version to hear.

[@jacksondinkle9342]

Mark Lowry stayed at my grandparents house when he was 19-20 before he wrote Mary Did you Know or just after he wrote it.

[@Robert_Herring]

My favorite version of the song. I always get misty eyed listening.

[@shannondarbonne3595]

Merry Christmas! Absolutely love this rendition of this song. Always gets me in the feels. You can tell how passionate Mark is the during the whole piece.

[@KeatingChick]

Love hearing Mark sing this song. I always cry when I hear it. And this is my favorite collaboration. Voctave and Mark are perfect! I don't know if Mark had been diagnosed with MS at the time this video was made but that note is held was awesome. I love watching reactors expressions when they hear how long he holds it. Merry Christmas Jen and have a blessed 2025!

[@JenniferGlatzhofer]

Oh wow. He blew me away with his voice. Stunning 😁

[@Andurian]

Yes!! I've been waiting for this R&A for years!

[@helenachevallier128]

As have I! ❤❤❤

[@marymulligan3053]

Merry Christmas! This is my favorite version of this song. Sounds like a choir of angels behind Mark. Great reaction!

[@Eeling468]

Merry Christmas! It's nice to see the appreciation for Mark's artistry; I don't know if this is live, but I'm certain they could have performed it that way. The Gaither Vocal Band was pretty demanding on perfect live performances, same as working in the theme parks for the Voctave members. The long notes are a hallmark of the Gaither performances also-- my favorite part of reactions to this performance is the 'wait he's still going' about halfway through his held note, because if you haven't watched him sing with the Gaithers, it's definitely a surprise! (and impressive regardless). I don't know why this seems to be the year everyone's actually reacting to this one, but I'm not going to complain, and I was especially excited to see the announcement yesterday of you doing it. A lovely Christmas present!

[@donaldriddle230]

Just in case i missed it on another comment, Mark Lowry was the one who discovered David Phelps and brought him to the attention of Bill Gaither. Bill at the time was looking for a new tenor for the Gaithee Vocal Band to sing with himself, Mark and another powerhouse named Guy Penrod. David got hired of course and he, Mark and Guy with Bill were together for quite a few years. Then Merk left the Vocal band, but never completely. He is still an active member of the Gaither music family as is David and the will almost always sing with the vocal band when the occasion allows. May i respectfully suggest a song they did on a Gaither Homecoming video called Harmony in the Heartland. The song is "House Of Gold" Mark Lowry, David Phelps, Guy Penrod and another Vocal band regular Michael English. I think youll be blown away by the hamonies and powerful vocals!

[@robertscherer963]

The reason it sounds like a bunch of questions, is Mark wrote this to be a sermon for a church where he was the guest speaker. The question was, "If you could have a cup of coffee with Mary, what would you want to know?" Many years later, on the Gaither tour bus, Buddy Green wrote the music, off of Mark's sermon.

[@jeremyconner5117]

I have been waiting and waiting for Jennifer to react to this Voctave rendition. Soooo happy now!

[@paulavasko4633]

Me, too! Thank you to the person that reminded Jen to listen to and react to this song! It is by far, my favorite version of it as well! I can't not cry no matter how many times I have heard it! Thanks, Jen!

[@kennethbryson7751]

Thanks Jenn for getting to it! This is definitely my favorite version of this song! Mark is an exceptional singer, he was in the Gaither Vocal Band for a lot of years with Michael Phelps that sang oh holy night! I watched the premiere but I have driven all day and just getting a chance to comment! I knew you would love it as well! The arrangement was stunning and implemented by Mark and Voctave perfectly! But best part of all is Mark’s interpretation of the lyrics he wrote! Mark is also an extremely funny comedian, and he said he just started writing down questions, wondering if Mary knew what her son would do in his life! Again thanks Jenn. Low bass Kenneth PS: awesome analysis!

[@benbowman6995]

Small correction, it was David Phelps, not Michael Phelps.

[@douglassmith4969]

Jennifer, I always enjoy your reactions. They're both entertaining and informative. You acknowledged the long notes that were being held by Mark. If you go back and listen, you'll see that Mark sings the phrase "the praises of the..." on the same breath as "...lamb". Likewise, he sings the phrase "is the Great I..." on the same breath as "... Am" at the end. Pretty good breath support for an old guy with MS, don't you think? Mark and Voctave were amazing, as was your reaction! Keep up the good work!

[@theresamusser4390]

The best from Mark Lowry’s heart, soul and voice!💖 Apparently Voctave asked Mark to do his song with them. For me, you can’t easily top this one because it is sung by the lyricist who knew what he was saying/asking! Thank you. Merry Christmas to you & yours! 💚✨🎄🌟🎄✨❤️

[@MJKFanatic]

This is a lovely Christmas gift, thank you! Kate hits the highest note I've heard her hit in this video, a G6 at the climax moment.

[@benv2315]

one of my favourite songs and mark lowry is really powerful and such a great singer and voctave do it justice as well

[@rmdewberry2482]

Happy tears for some of the greatest voices on the planet! Worth the wait. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Jen!

[@Robert.Sheard]

Jen, I've been a silent fan of your reactions to VoicePlay, Geoff, and Voctave for years. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season.

[@dianneantos480]

Christmas Day is winding down here; time to really sit to enjoy this. I did bring my tissues as I weep each time I hear this song. Thank you, Jen, for this end to my wonderful day. ♥️🎄🤗

[@andrewhWTL]

Good to enjoy this reaction (& analysis) on Christmas Day.

[@garyhughes5480]

Can't wait. Best version of this song I've heard.

[@anyone4acupoftea]

Perfect pick for Christmas day! Merry Christmas 🤶 🎄 ❤️

[@bjspeck4337]

This is the most ethereal, gorgeous, heavenly version of this song - not only Mark but Voctave knocked it out of the park. Mark has been a pastor, a comedian, a poet, a lyricist and singer. I simply find it incredible the length of time that he can sustain those notes. Thank you for doing this and analyzing. I was fortunate that I got to hear Voctave in person 2 yrs ago. They are probably my favorite next to VoicePlay. EJ Cardona is in the mix - he joined VP for Go the Distance, and I Can't Make You Love Me. Christmas Day for me. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

[@aliciamartin2024]

Merry Christmas! Love the blue top. May I also say I'm glad you're letting your hair grow ❤❤

[@chih-chaoyang5290]

This is my favorite version!! Love your reaction!! Merry Christmas Jen!!

[@pamelamccollum5216]

Merry Christmas Jen ❤ Thank you for your R&A of this! I always enjoy hearing Mark sing this - the addition of Voctave just made it even more glorious ❤

[@JenniferGlatzhofer]

Wow! Amazing!

[@stevegreen6760]

Great Analysis Jen! This the one and only version that should be played. Mark is an amazing singer and hilarious comedian. On your own time, check out his comedy stuff and his amazing mullet. He will leave you rolling on the floor busting a gut.

[@loriliberty8984]

Merry Christmas Jen! Great reaction. I can’t listen to this version of Mary Did You Know without tears, and I’ve watched it a bunch of times. 20 plus years ago, my dad used to love to sing this, always brings back memories.

[@MrGjones001]

Merry Christmas from Florida USA

[@IrishFish]

Loved it; thanks Jen!

[@tomaszbielak]

Fantastic performance, beautiful reaction and analysis. Thanks! Merry Christmas!

[@JenniferGlatzhofer]

Thank you!

[@denos6043]

the fact he held that note for 16-18 seconds was insane

[@jimwilson7528]

Merry "Mary" Christmas, Jen. Finally...lol. " Are you okay?" ....One of many reasons you are loved! ❤

[@BigGuyInBly]

And he holds that note even though he has MS!!

[@dorkyvonmunchmunch9912]

A wonderful Christmas present for us all. So happy you got to this one. Great R&A as always.

[@God_Preacher]

IT'S JESUS'S BIRTHDAY🥳🥳🥳

[@matthewgoodA1206]

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. And may 2025 bring continued success and joy. 🎄✌️

[@tigorptsiahaan]

MERRY CHRISTMAS 🙏

[@johnpittsii7524]

Hi Jennifer hope you are having an merry Christmas 🎅

[@JenniferGlatzhofer]

Thank you! And you 🎄

[@Palmerito]

💖💖💖

[@reginafernandez8820]

Merry Christmas!!! Jen, you have to react to Epic The Musical!!! The Vengeance and the Ithaca saga are already done!!!

[@dhaniameong1170]

Hay you Indonesian Idol go reaction

[@davecampbell3455]

Merry Christmas Jennifer! Santa left me a ton of coal so if you know anyone who heats their home with coal, I have plenty to share. Are you going to share your coal too? 😂😂😂 Blessings!

[@nuruls]

Jennn when are you going to react to epic vengeance saga and ithaca saga!!! Were waaaaitingggg!!!!

[@Hugefootballguy]

You should react to Chester Bennington’s cover of Rolling in the Deep live, it’s possibly the greatest cover of that song I’ve ever heard

[@thelivingmiracle]

Voctave's Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel is just as impressive as this one IMO

[@Labben91]

That long note where about 16 seconds.

[@JohnSelley-n1d]

I am not a religious man... but his belief comes through. 😢

[@davecampbell3455]

:)

[@glendamcgrady1244]

Voctave is superb live. Have heard them live three times. Not this. 😢

[@daviddavison3970]

Pentatonix did a better job on this song

[@thelivingmiracle]

Voctave's Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel is just as impressive as this one IMO