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Ira David Sankey

Ira David Sankey (August 28, 1840 – August 13, 1908) was an American gospel singer and composer, known for his long association with Dwight L. Moody in a series of religious revival campaigns in America and Britain during the closing decades of the 19th century. Sankey was a pioneer in the introduction of a musical style that influenced church services and evangelical campaigns for generations, and the hymns that he wrote or popularized continued to be sung well into the 21st century.

Sankey, born in Pennsylvania, was an amateur singer and church worker when he was recruited by Moody in 1870, after the latter heard him sing at a convention. Until Moody's death in 1899 the two campaigned together, Moody preaching while Sankey sang both old and new hymns, inspired by writers such as Fanny Crosby and Philip Bliss. Sankey also became a prolific composer of hymn tunes, and a compiler and editor of popular hymn collections, in particular Sacred Songs and Solos and Gospel Hymns and Sacred Songs. The proceeds from these publishing ventures were used for a range of charitable purposes.

After Moody's death, Sankey attempted to carry on the work alone, but was defeated by ill-health and the eventual loss of his eyesight. He died in 1908. He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1980.

Birth and Death Data: Born August 28, 1840 (Edinboro), Died August 13, 1908 (Brooklyn)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1899 - 1940

Roles Represented in DAHR: composer

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings (Results 51-52 of 52 records)

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Edison 18959 10-in. 12/21/1928 The ninety and nine Vernon Dalhart ; Adelyne Hood Female-male vocal duet, with organ composer  
Edison N-650 10-in. 12/21/1928 The ninety and nine Vernon Dalhart ; Adelyne Hood Female-male vocal duet, with organ composer  
(Results 51-52 of 52 records)

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Sankey, Ira David," accessed April 26, 2024, https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/105009.

Sankey, Ira David. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/105009.

"Sankey, Ira David." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 26 April 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/105009

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