George James Webb

George James Webb (1803–1887) was an English-born organist, composer, teacher, and music editor who became an important figure in nineteenth-century American musical life. Born near Salisbury, Wiltshire, he studied organ at Salisbury Cathedral and worked as a church organist before emigrating to the United States in 1830. He settled in Boston and served for many years as organist of the Old South Church.

Webb collaborated extensively with Lowell Mason in music education and publishing, taught at the Boston Academy of Music, and served as president of the Handel and Haydn Society. He edited and compiled several collections of sacred and secular music and wrote books on vocal instruction. In 1835 he joined the Swedenborgian Church and helped shape its musical service books.

His tune WEBB, also known as MORNING LIGHT, was composed during his voyage to the United States and first published in 1837. It later became especially familiar with "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus" and was also used in a 1929 hymnal with "When, His salvation bringing."