The first documented song in English was by Caedmon an untutored man who cared for the animals at Whitby Abby in the 7th century shortly after it had been founded by Saint Hilda. Caedmon had left a celebration that featured singing, feasting and harp playing because he lacked skill at music.
He went to sleep with his animals and dreamed a song that night about creation. He remembered every word and told his foreman, who was so impressed he took him to see Hilda. Hilda was so impressed she asked Caedmon to create another which he did the next morning which was also amazing for its profundity.
He was invited to become a monk and Hilda directed her scholars to teach him. Caedmon would turn what he was taught into verse during the night, and so began the history of English music.
Song in English William Lawrence Sr Omnibit 10-23-19
