Mary's boy child - Boney M

'Mary's boy child' was written by Jester Hairston in 1956. It was first recorded by Harry Belafonte for his album 'An Evening with Harry Belafonte'. It was recorded, also in 1956, by Mahalia Jackson.

The most famous cover of the song was made by Boney M in 1978. Coupled with 'Oh my lord', a segment written by Frank Farian, it rose to the top of the charts in the UK in December of that year. In Holland, it did almost equally well, reaching number three. I bought my copy of the single for a discount price in the summer of 1979.

My collection: 7" single no. 16

Found: London, 1979

Cost: 10p

Tracks: 'Mary's boy child' / 'Dancing in the streets'

Download: Album 'Nightflight to Venus', including both tracks