Gabriel: His Eye Is On The Sparrow for Alto Sax & Piano by Gabriel Alto Saxophone - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.548755

Gabriel Background

Charles Gabriel (1856 –1932) was an American gospel songwriter and, in like manner, a composer of gospel tunes. Not only that but, historians believe he wrote between 7,000 and 8,000 songs. Moreover, a good number of these still appear in contemporary hymnals. Gabriel furthermore wrote many songs using different names, including Charlotte G. Homer, H. A. Henry, and S. B. Jackson.

Early Years

A point often overlooked is that Charles Gabriel was born in Iowa and raised on a farm. Another key point is that his dad directed singing schools in their home. As a result, Charles became interested in music. In fact, he even taught himself to play the reed organ. He never received formal music training, nonetheless, at age 17, he began to travel and direct his own singing schools at many different sites. The people of his hometown, Wilton, indeed recognized his musical aptitude. Consequently, he often composed songs and lyrics for the local Presbyterian church. One such song, How Could it Be, was forthwith published, and edited by Gabriel. The music is instead credited to "Charles H. Marsh." In reality, Marsh is probably yet another of Gabriel's pen names.

Later Years

In any event, he was eventually appointed as music director at Grace Methodist Episcopal Church in San Francisco, California. The people at Grace Church in effect asked him to write a song for a mission celebration. As a result, he composed Send the Light. This consequently became his first profitable song. Henceforth, he relocated to Chicago and began working with the Rodeheaver publishing house. Gabriel was, in time, married twice. To begin with, the first marriage was to Fannie Woodhouse. This marriage suddenly ended in divorce. Later, he married Amelia Moore. In due time, he had one child from each marriage. He finally died in Hollywood.