You Raise Me Up was written by Rolf Løvland and Brendan Graham and first recorded by Secret Garden in 2002. Josh Groban's 2003 version, produced by David Foster for his album Closer, brought the song to a much wider audience and became his signature hit. Its simple message of support from a loved one or mentor helped it spread through talent shows, funerals, weddings and charity events, and shorter chorus clips now circulate online for emotional edits and tributes.