Awakening Chorus

Charles H. Gabriel (1856–1932) was one of the most prolific American gospel song and hymn composers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, whose music helped shape the landscape of evangelical worship and revival song in his era. He was born Charles Hutchinson Gabriel on May 18, 1856, in Delavan, Illinois to Henry and Susan Gabriel. His father was a pastor, and Charles grew up deeply immersed in church life and music, learning piano and developing musical skill from a young age.

Gabriel was largely self-taught as a composer, and he began writing gospel songs in his teens. By his early twenties he was already publishing widely, and he eventually became one of the most frequently published writers in American hymnals and songbooks. Over his lifetime he wrote or composed over 7,000 gospel songs and hymns, a body of work rivaled by few. His music was widely used in revival meetings, Sunday schools, and church services across the United States and beyond.

Gabriel’s songs cover a range of devotional themes, including personal faith, the believer’s walk with Christ, assurance of salvation, and praise to God. His tunes often combine simple, memorable melodies with heartfelt expressions of Christian experience, making them easy for congregations to sing. Among his well-known songs are “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” “Rescue the Perishing,” “The King’s Business,” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” These songs became staples not only in church hymnals but also in broader popular culture through recordings and revival use.

In addition to writing music, Gabriel worked closely with gospel song publishers, helping compile and edit songbooks that shaped worship music for generations. He remained active in composition throughout his life, collaborating with lyricists and evangelists to produce music for worship and evangelistic outreach. Gabriel died on January 17, 1932, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to influence Christian worship and gospel music today.