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"We Three Kings" is a popular Christmas carol written by John Henry Hopkins Jr. in 1857. Here are some interesting facts about the song and its composer:

1. Origin of the Song: "We Three Kings" was written for a Christmas pageant at the General Theological Seminary in New York City, where John Henry Hopkins Jr. was an instructor of ecclesiastical art. He wrote both the lyrics and the music for the carol.

2. Magi and their Gifts: The song tells the story of the Magi, or the Three Wise Men, who visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each of these gifts symbolizes a different aspect of Jesus's life: gold for his kingship, frankincense for his deity, and myrrh, which was used for embalming, symbolizing his eventual death.

3. Musical Influence: The melody of "We Three Kings" is influenced by Middle Eastern music, reflecting the origins of the Wise Men. This gives the carol a distinctive and memorable sound.

4. Popularity: Over the years, "We Three Kings" has become one of the most enduring and beloved Christmas carols. It is often performed in various styles, from traditional to contemporary, and has been covered by numerous artists.

5. John Henry Hopkins Jr.: Hopkins was an accomplished musician, composer, and clergyman. He was born in 1820 and later became the first music teacher and organist at the General Theological Seminary. Besides composing "We Three Kings," he also wrote other hymns and contributed significantly to American church music.

6. Legacy: Hopkins's composition continues to be an integral part of the Christmas music repertoire. Its haunting melody and evocative lyrics have made it a favorite during the holiday season, performed in churches, schools, and various Christmas events around the world.

These facts highlight the historical and musical significance of "We Three Kings" and its composer, John Henry Hopkins Jr.