“Softly and Tenderly,” which was originally known as “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling,” is a classic invitation hymn from the 19th century. It was written by Will Lamartine Thompson (1847–1909), who was a composer of gospel, secular, and patriotic songs. Due to his earlier songs being rejected, Thompson formed his own music publishing company, and “Softly and Tenderly” was first published in a collection titled Sparkling Gems, Nos. 1 and 2. It quickly became a popular hymn and was incorpora