born Oct. 7, 1746, Boston, Mass.
died Sept. 26, 1800, Boston, Mass., U.S.
American hymn composer, sometimes called the first American composer.
A tanner by trade, he was largely self-taught in music. His robust and primitive style, lacking instrumental parts, has seemed to embody the distinctive virtues of early America. His New England Psalm-Singer (1770) was the first published collection of American music; his other works include The Singing Master's Assistant (1778) and The Continental Harmony (1794).