Hart Pease Danks

1834-1903

Born: April 6, 1834, New Haven, Connecticut. Died: November 20, 1903, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

When Danks was eight years old, his family moved to Saratoga Springs, New York, where he studied music with Dr. E. Whiting. Later, Danks worked as a carpenter in his father’s construction business for while, but shortly began a full time music career: composing, singing, and leading choral groups. In 1864, he moved to New York City. In 1892, he published Superior Anthems for Church Choirs. The next year, he published his best known song, “Silver Threads Among the Gold” (words by Eben E. Rexford), which sold over three million copies. Having sold the rights to it, though, he died penniless in a boarding house. His last written words: “It’s hard to die alone.”

Hymns:

1. Not Ashamed of Christ, 1893

Music:

1. Delphine
2. Lord in Zion Reigneth, The
3. No Night There