Charles Gabriel(1856-1932)

Hymn-composer, author and conductor Charles H. Gabriel, Sr. was educated in the public schools of Wilton, Iowa. In San Francisco, California he conducted church choirs, and later he compiled hymnals for publishing companies. He joined ASCAP in 1940, and his sacred-music compositions include "Awakening Chorus", "All Hail Immanuel", "He Is So Precious To Me", "Since Jesus Came Into My Heart", "Way of the Cross Leads Home", and "Brighten the Corner Where You Are." He wrote the music for "Will The Circle Be Unbroken," with original lyrics by Ada R. Habershon. A. P. Carter wrote new lyrics to the melody, and The Carter Family's 1927 recording of this version created the standard popularly known ever since.