Jesus Is All the World to Me, Softly and Tenderly... those songs are familiar to most who have grown up singing hymns and have provided comfort to so many. They were written by a man named Will Lamartine Thompson, to whom God gave the natural talent to be able to write songs. At the young age of 16, he had his first published song, followed quickly by a second.
Born in 1847 to Sarah and Josiah Thompson in East Liverpool, Ohio, Thompson grew up learning how to be a good businessman. His father already was successful, being a major pottery manufacturer. He quickly picked up his father's ways and, upon starting his writing career, became his own salesman by spreading his music as far as he could. As he wrote more and more songs, he started printing sheet music. Having his sheet music printed enabled him to reach even farther with his business. By pushing his sheet music to homes throughout the surrounding area in Ohio, his songs became well known. Probably his most popular song was Softly and Tenderly. This famous hymn became the most translated hymn at one point in time and became a favorite hymn to many. Will L. Thompson became a household name.
Having opened a small music store where he sold his sheet music and some instruments, Thompson decided to open a larger store and start a publishing company. Soon, his business became a hub for teachers, a place where they could purchase sheet music and other supplies needed for their students. With over 4,000 teachers alone buying from him, he now had a large customer base.
Will L. Thompson passed away in 1909 due to illness, but his legacy lives on today through his songs, especially his hymns. They will be sung and played in churches throughout America and the world for years to come.
Information adapted from:
http://www.louholtzhalloffame.com/willThompson.htm...
https://hymnary.org/person/Thompson_Will
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