After studying under Lowell Mason in Boston and serving as bugler with the Union Army during the Civil War, James Ramsey Murray went to work for various music publishers as a songwriter. While working for the John Church Company editing The Musical Visitor, Murray wrote the music for "Away in a Manger" in 1887. Also known as "Luther's Cradle Hymn" because the words of the first two of the song's three verses were misattributed to Martin Luther, "Away in a Manger" was first published in Murray's Dainty Songs for Little Lads and Lasses. With its easy, descending melody and simple, hymn-like accompaniment, Murray's song soon became popular and has become an American Christmas classic.

© James Leonard, Rovi