- William Billings lived in Boston most of his life. He was born October 7, 1746 and died on September 26, 1800.
- He is considered the first American composer and the father of American choral music.
- At the age of 14 his father's death stopped his formal schooling. He became a tanner, someone who makes animal hides into leather. He was married with six children. In his spare time, he educated himself, wrote music, and taught singing schools.
- He had one eye, a deformed arm and a harsh voice; and he was lame in one leg. Billings died in poverty on September 26, 1800.
- Most of Billings' music was written for four-part chorus, singing a cappella. His many hymns and anthems were published mostly in book-length collections. A cappella means to sing without instruments playing along.
- Four voice parts of choral music:
Alto (lower women’s part),
Tenor (highest men’s part),
Bass (lowest men’s part).
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