Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

October 1, 1832 in Middletown, CT

Death

:

June 8, 1884 in Hartford, CT

Genre

:

Choral

 

Henry Clay Work was an American composer and songwriter who was born on October 1, 1832, in Middletown, Connecticut. He was the son of Alanson Work, a farmer, and his wife, Amelia. Work grew up in a musical family, and his father played the fiddle and sang in the local choir. Work's mother also had a beautiful singing voice and often sang to her children. As a child, Work showed a great interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed writing poetry. Work attended school in Middletown and later went to the Williston Seminary in Easthampton, Massachusetts. After completing his education, Work worked as a clerk in a store in Middletown. In 1854, Work moved to Chicago, where he worked as a clerk in a dry goods store. He continued to pursue his interest in music and began composing songs. His first published song was "We Are Coming, Sister Mary," which was written in 1861. The song was a patriotic tune that was popular during the Civil War. Work's most famous song is "Marching Through Georgia," which he wrote in 1865. The song was written to celebrate General William T. Sherman's successful march through Georgia during the Civil War. The song became an instant hit and was sung by soldiers and civilians alike. It is still a popular song today and is often played at patriotic events. Work continued to write songs throughout his life and composed over 100 pieces. Many of his songs were patriotic and celebrated American history and culture. Some of his other popular songs include "Kingdom Coming," "My Grandfather's Clock," and "Wake, Nicodemus." In addition to his work as a composer, Work was also an advocate for the abolition of slavery. He wrote several songs that were critical of slavery, including "Babylon is Fallen" and "The Ship That Never Returned." Work's songs were often used by abolitionists to promote their cause. Work was also a supporter of the temperance movement and wrote several songs that promoted abstinence from alcohol. His most famous temperance song is "Come Home, Father," which was written in 1864. The song tells the story of a young girl who begs her father to stop drinking and come home to his family. Work's music was popular during his lifetime, and he was considered one of the most successful songwriters of his time. His songs were often performed in theaters and music halls, and many were published in sheet music form. Work's music was also popular in England, and he toured there in 1875. Work died on June 8, 1884, in Hartford, Connecticut, at the age of 51. He was buried in the Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut. Work's music continues to be popular today, and his songs are often performed at patriotic events and in schools. His legacy as a composer and advocate for social justice lives on through his music.

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