Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

July 22, 1833

Death

:

March 16, 1867

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Benjamin Russell Hanby was an American composer of the 19th century, known for his contributions to the genre of Christian hymns and popular songs. Born on July 22, 1833, in Rushville, Ohio, Hanby was the youngest of five children in a musical family. His father, William Hanby, was a minister and a composer of hymns, while his mother, Ann Miller Hanby, was a singer and a pianist. Hanby's siblings were also musically inclined, and they often performed together as a family band. Hanby's early years were marked by tragedy, as his mother died when he was only six years old. However, his father continued to nurture his musical talents, and Hanby began composing his own songs at a young age. He attended Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, where he studied music and theology. After graduation, he became a minister and a music teacher, but his true passion was composing. Hanby's first published song was "Darling Nelly Gray," which he wrote in 1856. The song was a sentimental ballad about a slave girl who was sold away from her lover, and it became a popular hit in the United States and Europe. Hanby's success with "Darling Nelly Gray" led to a contract with a music publisher in Cincinnati, and he began to compose more songs in a similar style. In 1860, Hanby married Helen Peck, and they had three children together. Hanby continued to compose music, often drawing inspiration from his Christian faith. He wrote many hymns and Sunday school songs, including "Who Is He in Yonder Stall?" and "Up on the Housetop." The latter song, which he wrote in 1864, became one of his most famous works and is still sung today as a Christmas carol. Hanby's music was known for its catchy melodies and simple, heartfelt lyrics. He often wrote about themes of love, faith, and social justice, and his songs were popular with both adults and children. He also wrote several patriotic songs during the Civil War, including "We Are Coming, Father Abraham, 300,000 More," which was a call to arms for Union soldiers. Despite his success as a composer, Hanby struggled with financial difficulties throughout his life. He often had to sell the rights to his songs to pay his debts, and he never achieved the level of fame and fortune that some of his contemporaries did. However, his music continued to be popular, and he remained a beloved figure in the world of American music. Hanby died on March 16, 1867, at the age of 33. His legacy lives on through his music, which has been performed and recorded by countless artists over the years. His hymns and songs continue to be sung in churches and schools around the world, and his contributions to the genre of popular music have earned him a place in the pantheon of American composers. In conclusion, Benjamin Russell Hanby was a talented and prolific composer who left a lasting mark on the world of American music. His songs and hymns continue to be beloved by generations of listeners, and his legacy as a composer and a Christian minister is an inspiration to many. Despite the challenges he faced in his life, Hanby remained committed to his art and his faith, and his music continues to bring joy and comfort to people around the world.

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