W. L. Thompson

Born in East Liverpool, Ohio, in 1847, Will Lamartine Thompson became known as a composer, singer, and publisher of gospel music. He studied music in the United States and in Europe, then built a successful career writing songs that reached both church and popular audiences.

He is most closely associated with hymns including Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling, Jesus Is All the World to Me, and Lead Me Gently Home, Father. Thompson also founded his own music publishing business, which helped spread his work widely during his lifetime.

Thompson died in 1909, but his songs remained in hymnals and church singing for generations. His work is remembered for its direct language, warm melody, and lasting place in American gospel tradition.