This Christmas carol was written by the composer William Billings some time around 1778 and first appeared in the publication The Suffolk Harmony in 1786, making it a very early American Christmas carol.
The music he used to accompany the carol is normally his work entitled Shiloh which has sections that alternate and are joyful and contains rhythms for dancing and others that more lilting.
The carol remains a popular song and has been recorded by many singers and ensembles that include Gloria Dei Cantores, the Robert Shaw Chorale, the Gregg Smith Singers and the Dale Warland Singers as well as being a track used on many Christmas choral collections.
Robert Shaw Chorale and Orchestra recordings
RCA 6429 (CD: A Festival of Carols)
Conductor – Robert Shaw
Organ – Robert Arnold
Sources:
- https://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/shepherds_carol-Billings.htm
- https://nibmehub.com/opac-service/pdf/read/The%20Bible%20in%20Music%20_%20a%20dictionary%20of%20songs-%20works-%20and%20more.pdf
- https://www.loc.gov/static/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/documents/ContinentalHarmony_WilliamBillings.pdf
- https://www.ramshornstudio.com/shepherds_carol.htm
- https://www.handbellworld.com/music/MusicPiece.cfm?Piece=8125
- https://www.allmusic.com/composition/shepherds-carol-mc0002397712