Thompson, Will L.

1847-

American writer of songs; born in Beaver County, Pa. Received his general education at East Liverpool, Ohio; then went to Boston to study music in the Boston Music School and Boston Conservatory of Music from 1870 to 1875. He then went to Leipsic for some time. About 1875 he organized a publishing business at East Liverpool, Ohio, where he is now living. He has written many songs, both sacred and secular, of which perhaps the best known is the hymn, Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling. Others are the quartet, Come Where the Lilies Bloom; Gath  ering Shells on the Seashore; Moonlight Will Come Again; and Drifting With the Tide. He has contributed to many American song collections and has published Thompson's Class and Concert, and Thompson's Popular Anthems.