Henry Clay Work (October 1, 1832 - June 8, 1884) was an American composer and songwriter. Very little is known about him. He was born in Middletown, Connecticut, the son of a prominent opponent of slavery, and he too was also an active abolitionist and Union supporter. His home became a stop on the Underground Railroad, and was instrumental in the escape of several thousand slaves seeking freedom, for which his father was imprisoned. Henry was self taught in music. By the time he was 23, he was working as a printer in Chicago. He specialised in setting musical type. It was said that he composed in his head as he worked, without the assistance of a piano, using the noises of the machinery as inspiration. He was also compiling lyrics. His first published song was "We Are Coming, Sister Mary", which eventually became a staple in Christy's Minstrels shows.
"come home, father!"
'Tis The
SONG OF LITTLE MARY,
Standing at the bar-room door
While the shameful midnig...[read poem]
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SONG OF LITTLE MARY,
Standing at the bar-room door
While the shameful midnig...
you meaner beauties of the night
You meaner beauties of the night,
That poorly satisfy our eyes
More by your number tha...[read poem]
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That poorly satisfy our eyes
More by your number tha...
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