Benjamin Carr

Studying organ with Charles Wesley and composition with Samuel Arnold in England before his move to America, Carr opened his music shop upon his arrival in Philadelphia. Soon after his arrival, Car began to arrange and compose for Philadelphia’s New Theatre. In 1794, he made his stage debut in Philadelphia as a tenor with the Old American Company and accompanied the ensemble to New York later that year. Carr spent a few years in New York, opening another music shop and continuing to perform and compose.

Upon his return to Philadelphia in 1797, he became known at the “Father of Philadelphia Music,” thanks to his involvement with so many aspects of musical life in the city. He served as organist at several churches for the rest of his life and helped found the Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia.

–Christie Finn

Source: New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians