John W. Peterson

John W. Peterson was one of the most prolific gospel composers of the 20th century, authoring such contemporary Christian classics as "It Took a Miracle," "Over the Sunset Mountains," and "So Send I You." Born November 1, 1921, in Lindsborg, KS, Peterson served as an Air Force transport pilot during World War II, flying the notorious "China Hump" route over the Himalayas. Upon returning from duty he enrolled at the Moody Bible Institute, also serving on its radio staff. In 1953 Peterson graduated from Chicago's American Conservatory of Music, soon after settling in Pennsylvania and launching his songwriting career. Peterson published in excess of 1,000 contemporary hymns and spirituals, as well as 35 cantatas and musicals. His most beloved efforts also include "Heaven Came Down," "Jesus Is Coming Again," and "Surely Goodness and Mercy." While at the peak of his compositional prowess, he spent over a decade as president and editor-in-chief of Grand Rapids, MI-based sacred music publisher Singspiration before relocating to Scottsdale, AZ, and founding his own Good Life Productions. The recipient of the National Evangelical Film Foundation's 1967 Sacred Music Award, Peterson published his autobiography, The Miracle Goes On, a decade later. In 1986, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. After battling cancer, Peterson died in Scottsdale on September 20, 2006. ~ Jason Ankeny