Charles Crozat Converse

Full biography Charles Crozat Converse

Charles Crozat Converse was an American attorney and composer who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for his compositions of Christian hymns, such as the popular "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." Converse was born on October 7 , 1832, in Warren, Massachusetts, and he showed an early interest in music. He attended the New England Conservatory of Music and became a skilled performer on the organ and piano.

Aside from his musical talents, Converse was also a successful attorney and worked for many years as a lawyer in New York City. However, his passion for music led him to compose a number of hymns, which he published under various pseudonyms, including C.O. Nevers. In addition to hymns, Converse also composed secular songs, choral works, and instrumental pieces.

Converse's most famous composition is undoubtedly "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," which he wrote in 1868. The hymn's simple melody and touching lyrics have made it a classic in Christian worship and have gained it broad popularity beyond just the church. Converse also authored the music for "Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling," another well-known hymn.

Despite his success as a composer, Converse remained humble and dedicated his life to his Christian faith and his craft. He died on October 18, 1918, in New York City, leaving behind a rich legacy in the field of hymn composition that is still felt today.