Christmas Song Story: Mary’s Boy Child
“Mary’s Boy Child” is a Christmas song written by Jester Hariston in 1956. According to Wikipedia, a friend asked Hairston to write a song for a birthday party. Hairston wrote the song with a calypson…
Christmas Song Story: Jesus, the Light of the World
“Jesus, the Light of the World” was arranged by George D. Elderkin. It was first published with a collection of Christmas Carols in 1890 in “Gift of Finest Wheat”. He seems to have arranged this…
Christmas Song Story: Gabriel’s Message
“Gabriel’s Message” is a Christmas folk carol that tells of Gabriel’s announcement to the Virgin Mary that she would become the mother of the Christ. The song is also known as “The angel Gabriel from…
Christmas Song Story: Ding Dong! Merrily on High
“Ding Dong! Merrily on High” first appeared as a secular dance tune written by a French cleric, Thoinot Arbeau under the pen name Jehan Tabourot (1519-1593). The song was published under the title “Brandle de…
Song Story: Praises, I’ll Sing Praises
Growing up we sang and I learned to play on the piano “Praises, I’ll sing praises…to Jesus my Redeemer my friend.” The song was published in 1976 by John T. Benson Publishing Company. The song…
Patriotic Song: The Battle Cry of Freedom
“The Battle Cry of Freedom” was written in 1862 by George Frederick Root. The song is also known as “Rally ‘Round the Flag.” The song is a patriotic song, popular during the American Civil War,…
Song Story: The Hurrian Hymn
“The Hurrian Hymn” is considered the oldest surviving melody and dates back more than 3,400 years ago. The hymn was discovered on a clay tablet in Ugarite (modern-day Syria) 1950 and inscribed with Cuneiform text. …
Hymn Story: We Praise Thee, We Bless Thee, Our Savior Divine
Another hymn by Fanny Crosby is “We Praise Thee, We Bless Thee, Our Savior Divine.” Over the course of her life, Crosby (1820-1915) wrote thousands of hymns and around eight thousand poems. Many of her…
Hymn Story: Savior, More than Life to Me
“Savior, More than Life to Me” was first published by Fanny Crosby in 1875. William H. Doane composed the music. He sent Crosby the tune and requested she write a hymn titled “Every day and…
Hymn Songs: Never Forget the Dear Ones
Renowned hymnists Fanny Crosby taught at the New York Institution for the Blind for eleven years. While on summer break, she would spend time in North Reading, Mass. She wrote many songs for Dr. George…
Hymn Story: The Bright Forever
Fanny Crosby wrote “The Bright Forever.” Sometimes it’s referred to by the beginning line “Breaking through the clouds that gather.” Crosby met many distinguished figures in American history, including Henry Clay. She wrote of one…
Hymn Story: I Am the Resurrection and the Life
“I Am the Resurrection and the Life” comes from John 11:25 “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.” The hymn was…
Hymn Story: Praise, Praise His Name
Praise, Praise His Name was written by Fanny Crosby. The hymn is often referred to by its first line “On the desert mountain straying.” Crosby became blind at a very young age but became a…
Song Story: It took a Miracle
John W. Peterson wrote the hymn “It Took a Miracle” in 1948. Peterson was born on November 1, 1921 and died on September 20, 2006. He wrote over 1,000 songs and thirty-five cantatas throughout the…
Song Story: My God and I
George Beverly Shea released “My God and I” in 1959 on the album “In the Garden.” I’ve been unable to find any additional information about who the composer of this song is.
Song Story: If You Know the Lord
George Beverly Shea performed the song “If You Know the Lord.” He released the song in 1954. The song was written by Bickley Reichner (1905-1989). I’ve been able to find no additional information on the…
Hymn Story: All That Thrills My Soul is Jesus
“All that Thrills My Soul is Jesus” was written by Thoro Harris. Harris was born on March 31, 1874 in Washington, D.C. He produced is first hymnal in 1902 while living in Boston, MA. Throughout…
Hymn Story: Rise Up, O Men of God
William Pierson Merrill wrote “Rise up, O Men of God!” in 1911. Merrill was born on January 10, 1867 in Orange, New Jersey. He was ordained in 1890 and attended seminary working his way up…
Hymn Story: Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling
Daniel March wrote the lyrics to “Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling” in 1868. At the time he was a pastor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Asked to speak at an associational meeting, he learned shortly before…
Hymn Story: The King’s Business
Elijah Taylor Cassel wrote “The King’s Business” in 1902. Cassel was born on November 27, 1849 in Indiana. At a young age his family moved to Nebraska. He completed a medical education and practiced in…