Charles Hutchinson Gabriel: The Prolific Gospel Composer

American composer, teacher, and singer renowned for his prolific output of gospel hymns and Sunday school songs during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.Born on an Iowa farm, largely self-taught in music, Gabriel became one of the most significant and prolific composers in the gospel music tradition. He worked for major publishing houses like Homer Rodeheaver and the E.O. Excell Company, composing thousands of hymns, anthems, and gospel songs. His works, characterized by their singable melodies and evangelical fervor, became staples in churches and revival meetings across America.
  • Gabriel was incredibly prolific, composing an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 gospel songs, hymns, and tunes under his own name and numerous pseudonyms (like Charlotte G. Homer).
  • Despite his lack of formal musical training, his intuitive gift for melody and understanding of popular taste made his compositions immensely popular.
  • He was closely associated with the influential evangelist and song leader Homer Rodeheaver, serving as his music editor and arranger for many years, which greatly amplified the reach of his music.
  • Gabriel died in Los Angeles, California, in 1932 (some sources cite Point Loma, California). The exact date within 1932 is often not specified in major biographical sources.