Timothy Dudley-Smith 1926-2024
It is with both sadness and thanksgiving that we mark the passing of Timothy Dudley-Smith, one of the great modern hymnwriters, whose legacy will surely last as long as hymns are sung.
Bishop Timothy was a key player in the British 'hymn explosion' of the mid-20th century and his collaborations with Jubilate composers produced some of the most memorable and popular hymns of modern times. 'Lord, for the Years' with its stirring tune by Michael Baughen is surely amongst the most significant and enduring and we are delighted to share with you this brand new recording from June 2024.
While his contributions as a hymn writer, both to the broader church and to the Jubilate story, are well known, perhaps less well known is the crucial role he played in getting the whole Youth Praise enterprise off the ground. Michael Baughen had been attempting for some time, without success, to convince numerous publishers that a hymn and song book for young people was a good idea. It was not until he raised the issue with Timothy Dudley-Smith, who was working at the time for CPAS, that he finally found someone who understood the vision and was willing to back the project. Youth Praise went on to revolutionise the song of the church in the UK and launch a whole new era of song and hymn writing.
For his hymns, his vision and his friendship, we will always be thankful for the life of our dear brother in Christ, Timothy Dudley-Smith.
