Philip P. Bliss, was a gospel soloist with Evangelist Daniel W. Whittle in the years following the Civil War. Before his life was cut short in a train wreck at aged 38, Bliss wrote over 60 gospel songs, many of which are still sung today. These include "Almost Persuaded," "Hallelujah! What A Savior" "Dare to Be A Daniel," "Jesus Loves Even Me," "Hold the Fort," "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning," and "Wonderful Words of Life."

A week before Bliss' death, he had written to his friend James McGranahan, encouraging him to go into gospel music rather than opera, as he had planned. On Bliss' death McGranahan followed his suggestion and his footsteps and replaced Bliss as Whittle's soloist. He became a hymn lyricist and composer in his own right, writing the music to such standards as "There Shall Be Showers of Blessing," "My Redeemer," "I Shall be Satisfied," "The Crowning Day," "O, How Love I Thy Law, and "The Banner of the Cross," and both the words and music for "Verily, Verily," and "Go Ye into All the World."

Nathan