20 Hymn Writers Every Christian Must Know

 The Faith-Filled Lives Behind the Songs That Shaped Christian Worship

For centuries, hymns have been the heartbeat of the Church. They have carried the prayers of the sorrowful, the praises of the joyful, and the doctrines of the faithful. But behind each great hymn is a writer—someone who walked with God in such a way that their life became music. In this post, we honor 20 influential hymn writers whose legacy continues to inspire worship today.

1. Isaac Watts (1674–1748)

Often called the “Father of English Hymnody,” Isaac Watts revolutionized church music by introducing original poetic texts instead of paraphrased psalms. Educated in logic and philosophy, he began writing hymns in his teens.

• Notable Hymns: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” “Joy to the World”

• Legacy: Watts authored more than 750 hymns and brought emotional and theological depth to Christian worship, paving the way for future generations of hymnists.

2. Charles Wesley (1707–1788)

Brother of John Wesley and co-founder of Methodism, Charles Wesley wrote over 6,500 hymns during his ministry. He believed hymns could be a “means of grace,” teaching theology and inspiring devotion.

• Notable Hymns: “And Can It Be,” “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”

• Legacy: Wesley’s hymns are deeply Scriptural, doctrinally rich, and emotionally stirring—still widely sung in Methodist, Anglican, and evangelical churches today.

3. Fanny J. Crosby (1820–1915)

Blind since infancy, Fanny Crosby overcame physical limitations through a deep relationship with Christ and an exceptional gift for writing. She penned over 8,000 hymns and collaborated with major gospel composers of her day.

• Notable Hymns: “Blessed Assurance,” “To God Be the Glory,” “Safe in the Arms of Jesus”

• Legacy: Crosby’s humble spirit and spiritual vision made her hymns a source of comfort and praise in churches, revival meetings, and gospel services worldwide.

4. Horatio G. Spafford (1828–1888)

A successful Chicago lawyer and Presbyterian elder, Spafford faced tremendous personal tragedy, including the death of his four daughters at sea. He wrote “It Is Well with My Soul” while traveling to meet his grieving wife.

• Notable Hymn: “It Is Well with My Soul”

• Legacy: His hymn remains a timeless anthem of peace, faith, and surrender in the face of sorrow.

5. John Newton (1725–1807)

Once a slave ship captain, Newton was dramatically converted during a storm at sea. He later became an Anglican minister and helped abolish the slave trade.

• Notable Hymn: “Amazing Grace”

• Legacy: Newton’s hymns, like his preaching, focused on the boundless mercy of God. “Amazing Grace” became one of the most recognizable Christian songs in history.

6. William Cowper (1731–1800)

A friend of John Newton, Cowper battled depression throughout his life. Despite his struggles, he wrote hymns that reflected profound spiritual insight and comfort.

• Notable Hymns: “God Moves in a Mysterious Way,” “There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood”

• Legacy: Cowper’s writings demonstrate how God uses even the afflicted to offer hope and grace through song.

7. Anne Steele (1717–1778)

One of the first prominent female hymn writers in the English-speaking world, Steele faced chronic illness and personal loss, yet wrote over 140 hymns and 30 psalms.

• Notable Hymns: “Come, Ye Disconsolate,” “Father of Mercies, in Thy Word”

• Legacy: Her writings were marked by tenderness, humility, and a sincere longing for God’s presence.

8. Martin Luther (1483–1546)

The German Reformer used hymns to teach biblical truth to the common people. He believed music was a powerful vehicle for spreading the gospel.

• Notable Hymn: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

• Legacy: Luther’s contributions to congregational singing laid the foundation for Protestant hymnody.

9. Philip P. Bliss (1838–1876)

A powerful gospel singer and songwriter, Bliss wrote many revival hymns before dying in a train crash at age 38.

• Notable Hymns: “Hallelujah! What a Savior,” “I Will Sing of My Redeemer”

• Legacy: His short but fruitful life produced songs that reflected bold faith and evangelistic fervor.

10. Thomas Ken (1637–1711)

An Anglican bishop known for his integrity and devotion, Ken composed morning and evening hymns for daily worship.

• Notable Hymn: “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” (The Doxology)

• Legacy: His influence shaped personal and public devotion, and his doxology remains the most widely sung short hymn in history.

11. Charlotte Elliott (1789–1871)

Despite being bedridden for much of her life, Elliott wrote hymns that spoke of acceptance, grace, and peace in Christ.

• Notable Hymn: “Just As I Am”

• Legacy: Her hymn became a classic invitation song, especially during Billy Graham’s crusades.

12. Frances Ridley Havergal (1836–1879)

A devout English woman with a love for Scripture and missions, Havergal wrote hymns that reflected total consecration to Christ.

• Notable Hymns: “Take My Life and Let It Be,” “I Gave My Life for Thee”

• Legacy: Her lyrics continue to inspire deeper commitment and surrender to the Lord’s will.

13. John Mason Neale (1818–1866)

A priest, poet, and scholar, Neale translated ancient Greek and Latin hymns, making them accessible to English congregations.

• Notable Hymns: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”

• Legacy: Neale preserved the beauty of early church worship, connecting today’s believers with ancient Christian voices.

14. Reginald Heber (1783–1826)

An Anglican bishop and missionary in India, Heber wrote hymns to support global Christian outreach.

• Notable Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”

• Legacy: His hymns elevated the majesty and mystery of God while calling believers to global missions.

15. Henry F. Lyte (1793–1847)

A Scottish pastor and poet, Lyte composed many hymns in the final months of his life while battling tuberculosis.

• Notable Hymn: “Abide with Me”

• Legacy: A cherished hymn for funerals and times of loss, reflecting faith through life’s fading twilight.

16. Elisha A. Hoffman (1839–1929)

A Presbyterian minister known for heartfelt and revival-style gospel hymns, often rooted in his pastoral experience.

• Notable Hymns: “Are You Washed in the Blood?” “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”

• Legacy: His songs invited sinners to salvation and saints to lean on Christ's strength.

17. George W. Robinson (1838–1877)

An Irish Baptist preacher and hymn writer whose most famous hymn speaks of spiritual security.

• Notable Hymn: “Loved with Everlasting Love”

• Legacy: Though lesser known, Robinson’s work continues to resonate with those assured of God’s unchanging love.

18. John Bacchus Dykes (1823–1876)

A theologian and musician who composed over 300 hymn tunes, many of which are paired with classic English hymns.

• Notable Tune: “Nicaea” (used for “Holy, Holy, Holy”)

• Legacy: His tunes helped define the sound of 19th-century Anglican worship.

19. Keith Getty & Stuart Townend (Contemporary)

Modern hymn writers from the UK, they aim to renew congregational worship with songs rich in theology.

• Notable Hymns: “In Christ Alone,” “The Power of the Cross”

• Legacy: Their hymns have sparked a “modern hymn movement,” reintroducing doctrinal depth into contemporary worship.

20. William H. Doane (1832–1915)

An American composer who partnered with Fanny Crosby and others to write gospel hymns for revival use.

• Notable Tunes: “Near the Cross,” “Rescue the Perishing”

• Legacy: Doane’s melodies were a vital part of the 19th-century American gospel song explosion.

These hymn writers didn’t just compose songs—they lived lives of faith, often through suffering, sacrifice, and steadfast hope. Their works help us worship, learn, weep, and rejoice. In knowing them, we better understand the heartbeat of Christian history.

If you think there is someone we left out, let us know in the comments.

🎧 Take time this week to listen to or sing a hymn by one of these writers—and let the truths they penned draw you closer to Christ.