William Lamartine Thompson was a renowned American composer whose musical genius found its greatest expression in hymns and gospel songs. Born on November 7, 1847, in East Liverpool, Ohio, Thompson's musical journey was shaped by a family deeply rooted in education, community, and philanthropy. He graduated from Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio, in 1870 and further honed his musical skills at the New England Conservatory of Music and in Leipzig, Germany. Thompson's passion for music was complemented by a deep love for his family. Sadly, Thompson's life was cut short during a European tour when he fell seriously ill. His family hurriedly returned home, but he passed away a few weeks later in New York City on September 20, 1909. His...More
William Lamartine Thompson was a renowned American composer whose musical genius found its greatest expression in hymns and gospel songs. Born on November 7, 1847, in East Liverpool, Ohio, Thompson's musical journey was shaped by a family deeply rooted in education, community, and philanthropy. He graduated from Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio, in 1870 and further honed his musical skills at the New England Conservatory of Music and in Leipzig, Germany. Thompson's passion for music was complemented by a deep love for his family. Sadly, Thompson's life was cut short during a European tour when he fell seriously ill. His family hurriedly returned home, but he passed away a few weeks later in New York City on September 20, 1909. His musical legacy, however, continues to resonate across time and space. One of Thompson's most beloved compositions, "Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling," has touched the hearts of millions. It was sung at the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by the choir of Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church and is now widely used as an invitation hymn in evangelistic services.
