Inducted 2002

Born in Bell County, Texas, on August 24, 1872, William Ramsey began his career as a shape-note teacher and singer while still a teenager. 

Especially prominent in singing school circles throughout the South, he became president and owner of the Central Music Company of Little Rock, Arkansas, one of the early leaders of shape-note material in the region. 

The author of several hundred Gospel songs, including the popular "He Whispers Sweet Peace to Me," Ramsey edited and published more than thirty song books and helped pioneer and industry that would shape the future of American Gospel Music.