Henry Clay Work was an American songwriter and composer born on February 1, 1832, in Hartford, Connecticut. He is best known for his popular Civil War songs, including "Marching Through Georgia" and "Kingdom Coming." His music often reflected the spirit of the times and aimed to inspire patriotism and unity. Work's career spanned several decades, and he was also involved in the music publishing industry. He wrote over 100 songs, many of which became widely recognized and performed. His contributions to American music have left a lasting legacy, particularly in the context of the Civil War era.