Billings, William

(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 (1770) was the first published collection of American music; his other works include (1778) and (1794).

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