Hymn Writers Biographies

Discover the lives, stories, and spiritual journeys of the authors behind classic hymns and worship songs.

523 writers 523 authors added 1,249 hymns indexed by authors Top 3: Bill & Gloria Gaither, Anonymous, Traditional English Hymns
Ida M. Budd

Ida M. Budd

1 hymn 1319 views
Ida M. Budd (1859–1959) was a beloved Michigan-based poet and hymn writer known for her gentle, nature-focused imagery and her …
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Ira B. Wilson

Ira B. Wilson

1 hymn 1834 views
Ira Bishop Wilson (1880–1950) was a powerhouse of early 20th-century sacred music, serving as one of the most influential composers …
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Ira David Sankey

Ira David Sankey

1 hymn 1151 views
Ira David Sankey (1840–1908) was the most influential figure in the development of the modern gospel song and served as …
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Ira F. Stanphill

Ira F. Stanphill

2 hymns 6252 views
Ira Forest Stanphill (1920–1993) was a premier songwriter of the mid-20th century Assemblies of God and the broader Pentecostal movement. …
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Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts

45 hymns 49105 views
Isaac Watts (1674–1748) was an English pastor, theologian, and hymn writer widely known as the father of English hymnody. Born …
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J. B. Atchinson

J. B. Atchinson

1 hymn 1155 views
Jonathan Bush (J. B.) Atchinson (1840–1882) was an American Methodist preacher and hymn writer whose brief but impactful career coincided …
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J

J. B. Coats

1 hymn 1703 views
James Buchanan (J. B.) Coats (1901–1961) was a prominent figure in the Southern Gospel tradition, known for his work as …
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J. B. Lemon

J. B. Lemon

1 hymn 670 views
James Buchanan (J. B.) Lemon (1854–1917) was a prominent Baptist minister, author, and songwriter who spent much of his career …
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J. B. Mackay

J. B. Mackay

1 hymn 813 views
James Bruce (J. B.) Mackay (1861–1940) was a prolific American gospel song writer and minister whose work flourished during the …
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J. Berg Esenwein

J. Berg Esenwein

1 hymn 326 views
Joseph Berg Esenwein (1867–1947) was a distinguished American editor, academic, and literary critic whose career bridged the worlds of theological …
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J. Demster Hammond

J. Demster Hammond

1 hymn 534 views
John Dempster Hammond (1841–1920) was a prominent minister and administrative leader within the Methodist Episcopal Church during the late 19th …
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J. E. Thomas

J. E. Thomas

1 hymn 2313 views
J. Edmond Thomas (1860–1946) was a central figure in the development of the Southern Gospel music industry and a pioneer …
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