Back to Bethel, I Must Go

B. B. McKinney (1886–1952), born Baylus Benjamin McKinney on July 22, 1886, in Heflin, Louisiana, was a significant American gospel song writer, teacher, singer, and music editor whose work helped shape twentieth century church music, especially within Southern Baptist circles. He pursued a rich musical and theological education, studying at Mount Lebanon Academy and Louisiana College in Pineville, as well as at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. McKinney also trained musically at the Siegel-Myers School of Music and the Bush Conservatory of Music in Chicago, earning a Bachelor of Music degree in 1922. In 1942 he received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Oklahoma Baptist University. 

McKinney’s career blended pastoral work, teaching, and editorial leadership. He served as music editor for the Robert H. Coleman company in Dallas from 1918 to 1935, and after a brief army service in 1919, taught at the School of Sacred Music at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary until 1932. He also pastored at Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth from 1931 to 1935. In 1935 he became music editor for the Baptist Sunday School Board (now LifeWay Christian Resources) in Nashville, Tennessee, where he compiled influential hymnals and songbooks including Songs of Victory (1937) and the widely used Broadman Hymnal (1940).

Over his lifetime McKinney wrote both words and music for about 150 hymns and gospel songs and composed music for about 115 more, with many becoming beloved in congregational worship. Among his most enduring songs are Speak to My Heart (1927), Satisfied with Jesus (1926), Let Others See Jesus in You (1924), and Wherever He Leads I’ll Go (1936), a hymn based on Christ’s call to discipleship. His music often expresses heartfelt devotion, trust in Christ, and practical Christian commitment.

McKinney died following a car accident on September 7, 1952, near Bryson City, North Carolina, while returning from church music meetings, leaving a legacy honoured through his songs, hymnals, and contributions to training church musicians. He was posthumously inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1982.