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William Billings

Short Name: William Billings
Full Name: Billings, William, 1746-1800
Birth Year: 1746
Death Year: 1800

William Billings (b. 1746; d. 1800) was an American choral composer, thought by some to be the father of American choral music. His father died when William was 14, and he was forced to drop all formal education and take up tanning to get by. With no formal musical training he began to compose, and his songs were well-loved and traveled quickly. However, due to unsubstantial copyright laws, Billings received hardly a penny from the publication of his music. After a period of fame and prosperity, his music was forgotten, and his last decade was one of decline. Married with six children, he died in poverty, though his music would be resurrected after his death and sung to this day.

Laura de Jong

Wikipedia Biography

William Billings (October 7, 1746 – September 26, 1800) is regarded as the first American choral composer, and leading member of the First New England School.
Wikipedia Biography
Featured Articles:

TextsTunesHymnalsRecommendations
Texts by William Billings (10)sort descendingAsAuthority LanguagesInstances
As shepherds in Jewry were guarding their sheepWilliam Billings (Author)1
As the hart panteth after the waterbrooksWilliam Billings (Alterer)English2
By the waters, the waters of BabylonWilliam Billings (Author)English1
Death with his warrant in his handWilliam Billings (Author)English2
Jesuo larmis, kaj sen lim'William Billings (Author)Esperanto2
Let tyrants shake their iron rodWilliam Billings (Author)English3
Methinks I see an heavenly hostWilliam Billings (Author)English5
We are met for a Concert of modern inventionWiliam Billings (Author)English1
When Jesus wept, the falling tearWilliam Billings (Author (stanza 1))English16
While shepherds watched their flocks by night, All seated on the groundWilliam Billings (Author (vs. 2))English1

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