Composer - Lyricist: Joseph Brackett

From HymnsWithoutWords

Elder Joseph Brackett (1797–1882) was an American songwriter and Elder of The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, better known as "The Shakers". He was born in Cumberland, Maine, and died in the Shaker community of Sabbathday Lake at New Gloucester, Maine.

Brackett is known as the author of the Shaker dancing song "Simple Gifts", which has become an internationally loved tune, both through his original version, and many of its adaptations. The song, written in 1848, was largely unknown outside of Shaker communities until Aaron Copland used the melody in his 1944 composition Appalachian Spring.

Brackett's tune is also known widely through the lyrics "Lord of the Dance" written by Sydney Carter in 1963.