author
W. L. Thompson
Best known for the enduring gospel song “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling,” this American composer and publisher helped shape popular sacred music in the late 19th century. His career blended business success with a lasting gift for warm, memorable melodies.
1 Audiobook
Third biennial report of the Oregon State Highway Commission : covering the period December 1st, 1916 to November 30th, 1918
by Simon Benson, R. A. (Robert Asbury) Booth, Herbert Nunn, W. L. Thompson
About the author
William Lamartine Thompson was born in East Liverpool, Ohio, in 1847 and became an American composer, songwriter, and music publisher. After studying music, he built his own publishing business, the W. L. Thompson Music Company, and found success writing both secular songs and gospel music.
He is most closely associated with hymns and gospel songs, especially Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling, which remains his best-known work. His music was written for wide audiences rather than specialists, and that plainspoken, singable quality helped many of his songs travel far beyond his own time.
Thompson died in 1909 in New York City, but his work continued to live on in hymnals, church music, and American religious culture. For listeners today, he stands out as a figure who joined musical creativity with an instinct for reaching ordinary people.