William Steffe composed the melody that became one of America's most recognizable hymn tunes. Working as a musician in the mid-19th century, Steffe created music that resonated across congregations and eventually transcended its original sacred context to become a rallying cry during the Civil War era.
Julia Ward Howe, poet and abolitionist, wrote the powerful text "Battle Hymn of the Republic" in 1861, setting her words to Steffe's existing melody. Her lyrics transformed the tune into an anthem of social justice that has endured for over 160 years, making this collaboration one of the most consequential in American music history.
