Category Archives: Hymn writer

Born JULY 1, 1942 A young Andrae Crouch had strong romantic feelings for a female who sang in his group. During three days of ministry at a church in California, he purchased an engagement ring. To his surprise, the young lady didn’t … Continue reading →

Born MARCH 31, 1874 He wrote hundreds of Christian songs. He published hundreds of other songs he didn’t write. Thoro Harris was one of the most prolific African-American hymn writers of the early 2oth century. Since the 1930s his compositions have been consistently … Continue reading →

ALFRED ACKLEY        Born January 21, 1887 “Why are you shouting so early in the morning?” Alfred’s wife asked him a fair question. What had  angered him that Easter morning was a radio preacher. Alfred had heard the man say, “You know folks, it really … Continue reading →

Born AUGUST 18, 1856 The Wilton, Iowa native, Charles Hutchinson Gabriel, is considered the most prolific writer of gospel music in the concluding years of the nineteenth century and the early decades of the twentieth century. Skilled at penning both … Continue reading →

Born April 21, 1856 Johnson Oatman Jr. of New Jersey followed the foot-steps of his father, Johnson Oatman Sr., in many ways. He accepted his father’s faith, making it his own. They worked side by side in the family mercantile business, Johnson Oatman and … Continue reading →

Born OCTOBER  29, 1905 Most hymn writers are remembered for one or two songs. A few have been blessed to write a handful that survive and thrive. One of gospel music’s most popular hymn writers of the 20th century is Albert Brumley. The majority of his songs that are still sung today were … Continue reading →

Born JULY 9, 1838 For the 1876 Christmas holiday, Philip and his wife “Lucy,” visited his hometown of Rome, Pennsylvania. On December 29, they left their two young children in the care of an aunt. Philip and Lucy boarded a train bound for Chicago to participate … Continue reading →

Born JULY 1, 1899 Thomas Andrew Dorsey is known as the “Father of Gospel Music.” He earned that distinction by blend-ing two powerful musical styles of his day—church hymn music and the blues—making a new sound for worshiping God. Thomas is recognized by both genres as a successful … Continue reading →

Born MARCH 12, 1826 When the position for music editor opened at the Biglow Publishing Company in 1868, God moved Pastor Robert Lowry into the vacancy. Like Joshua replacing Moses as Israel’s leader, Robert followed the talented William Bradbury in advancing the role … Continue reading →

Born DECEMBER 18, 1707 John and Charles Wesley strongly impacted their world with the gospel. They didn’t set out to start a new denomination but to raise the level of Biblical spirituality around them. They were raised in the Church of England and educated at Oxford. … Continue reading →