The Most Famous Hymn Writer, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the hymn writer you think is the most famous!
Updated on Apr 21, 2024 08:12
In the serene hours of a Sunday morning, the melodious strains of hymns often fill the air, lifting spirits and nurturing souls. These hymns, crafted by skilled writers, carry a tremendous legacy of faith, tradition, and artistic expression. By ranking these influential hymn writers, we acknowledge not only their contribution to music but also their impact on spiritual journeys across the globe.
Such a ranking captures the voices and votes of those who resonate with these powerful lyrics and melodies. It enables enthusiasts to see which writers have touched the hearts of many and allows new listeners to discover influential figures in hymn composition. As each vote helps shape this dynamic list, your participation enriches the celebration of hymnic artistry and its enduring influence.
Who Is the Most Famous Hymn Writer?
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171votes
anonymous · Public domainIsaac Watts - often referred to as the "Father of English Hymnody," Watts wrote over 700 hymns, including "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" and "Joy to the World." -
232votes
User Magnus Manske on en.wikipedia · Public domainCharles Wesley is a leader in the Methodist movement, Wesley wrote over 6,000 hymns, including "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "And Can It Be." -
320votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainFanny Crosby - blind from infancy, Crosby wrote over 8,000 hymns, including "Blessed Assurance" and "To God Be the Glory." -
418votes
After John Russell · Public domainJohn Newton is a former slave trader turned Anglican clergyman, Newton wrote "Amazing Grace" and many other hymns. -
520votes
Lucas Cranach the Elder · Public domainMartin Luther - the father of the Protestant Reformation, Luther wrote many hymns, including "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" and "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands."Martin Luther in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Protestant
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous monk
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous German person
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous priest
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous rebels
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611votes
Lemuel Francis Abbott · Public domainWilliam Cowper is a poet and hymn writer, Cowper wrote "There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood" and "God Moves in a Mysterious Way." -
77votes
John Everett Millais · Public domainJohn Henry Newman is a Catholic cardinal and theologian, Newman wrote "Lead, Kindly Light" and "Praise to the Holiest in the Height." -
810votesJohn Mason Neale - an Anglican priest and translator of hymns from ancient Greek and Latin, Neale wrote "Good Christian Men, Rejoice" and "All Glory, Laud, and Honor."
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99votesHoratius Bonar is a Scottish minister and hymn writer, Bonar wrote "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say" and "Not What My Hands Have Done."
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105votes
www.gettymusic.com from office manager · Public domainStuart Townend
Stuart TownendStuart Townend is a contemporary Christian songwriter, Townend wrote "In Christ Alone" and "How Deep the Father's Love for Us."The Stuart Townend version of 'In Christ Alone' is a widely recognized and beloved rendition of the popular Christian hymn. It is known for its powerful lyrics, melodic composition, and heartfelt performance.- Release Year: 2001
- Genre: Christian Contemporary
- Duration: 4 minutes and 50 seconds
- Lyricist: Keith Getty
- Composer: Stuart Townend
Stuart Townend in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular version of 'In Christ Alone'
Missing your favorite hymn writer?
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Ranking factors for famous hymn writer
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TimelessnessHymn writers whose works have stood the test of time should be given more importance than those whose hymns were popular in their time but have since faded into obscurity.
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Frequency of useHymn writers whose hymns are sung more frequently in churches worldwide may be considered more famous than others.
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Musical qualityThe quality of the music and lyrics is important in ranking hymn writers. Hymn writers who have created music that is beautiful, heartfelt, and inspires people are more likely to be famous.
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Global impactThe hymn writers who have made a global impact and have been translated into various languages may be considered more famous than those whose hymns are only popular in certain regions.
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InfluenceThe amount of influence the hymn writer has had on other hymn writers and musicians should also be considered.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous hymn writer. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Hymnwriter is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2420 views
- 194 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Hymnwriter once every 24 hours. The rank of each Hymnwriter is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous hymn writer
Hymns are a form of religious song that have been used for centuries to express faith and devotion. The tradition of hymn writing has produced some of the most beloved and enduring songs in the Christian canon. But who are the most famous hymn writers of all time?
One name that immediately comes to mind is Isaac Watts, who is often called the "Father of English Hymnody." Watts wrote more than 700 hymns, including such classics as "Joy to the World" and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." His hymns were notable for their clear and simple language, which made them accessible to a wide audience.
Another prolific hymn writer was Charles Wesley, who along with his brother John founded the Methodist movement. Charles wrote more than 6,000 hymns, many of which are still sung today. His best-known hymn is probably "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," which he wrote in 1739.
Other famous hymn writers include Fanny Crosby, who wrote more than 8,000 hymns despite being blind, and John Newton, who wrote "Amazing Grace" after converting to Christianity following a life as a slave trader. These and many other hymn writers have left an indelible mark on the world of religious music, and their songs continue to inspire and uplift people of all faiths.
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