John T. Benson Sr.

Benson was the founder of The John T. Benson Publishing Company, a music publishing company based in Nashville and known for representing Southern Gospel songs. He was the father of John T. Benson. John T. Benson, Sr. (born February 19, 1861, in Nashville, Tennessee; died June 24, 1930, in Nashville, Tennessee) grew up in the Tulip Street Methodist Church where his father was a charter member. John and his wife, Eva, were involved in the founding of an independent holiness church that later became the Church of the Nazarene. Mr. Benson served as a music minister, first in the mission and then in the church. The Bensons wrote some gospel songs, but their most significant contribution was in the publishing and distribution of songbooks and hymnals.