author
W. L. Thompson
A gifted songwriter and publisher, he helped shape American gospel music with warm, memorable hymns that have lasted for generations. He is especially remembered for "Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling" and for turning his own music business into a successful publishing house.
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
Born in East Liverpool, Ohio, in 1847, Will Lamartine Thompson became known as an American composer, hymn writer, and music publisher. After early attempts to place his songs with commercial publishers, he founded the W. L. Thompson Music Company and built a career writing both secular songs and, later, the hymns and gospel songs for which he is best remembered.
His most lasting reputation comes from sacred music, especially the hymn "Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling." He also studied music in the United States and in Europe, and his combination of musical skill and business sense helped him reach a wide audience during his lifetime.
Thompson died in 1909, but his songs continued to live on in churches and hymnals long after his death. His story stands out because he was not only a successful writer of devotional music, but also someone who found a way to publish and share that work on his own terms.