Luther G. Presley was a songwriter, musician, and composer, who is best-known for writing the lyrics to the gospel

Gospel music

Gospel music is music that is written to express either personal, spiritual or a communal belief regarding Christian life, as well as to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music....

 song "When the Saints Go Marching In

When the Saints Go Marching In

"When the Saints Go Marching In", often referred to as "The Saints", is an American gospel hymn that has taken on certain aspects of folk music. The precise origins of the song are not known. Though it originated as a spiritual, today people are more likely to hear it played by a jazz band...

".

Biography

Luther G. Presley was born on Beckett Mountain in Faulkner County, Arkansas on March 6, 1887. He studied music beginning at the age of 14, where he excelled. He soon became choir director. He wrote his first song, "Gladly Sing," when he was 17. He furthered his study in singing and music, under renowned teachers.

Work

Luther Presley wrote the lyrics for the gospel spiritual "When the Saints Go Marching In

When the Saints Go Marching In

"When the Saints Go Marching In", often referred to as "The Saints", is an American gospel hymn that has taken on certain aspects of folk music. The precise origins of the song are not known. Though it originated as a spiritual, today people are more likely to hear it played by a jazz band...

", in 1937, while Virgil O. Stamps composed the music and melody to the famous work.

Luther Presley was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association

Southern Gospel Music Association

The Southern Gospel Music Association is a non-profit corporation formed as an association of southern gospel music singers, songwriters, fans, and industry workers. Membership is acquired and maintained through payment of annual dues...

Hall of Fame in 2008.