William F. Hubbard

William F. Hubbard is an American gospel composer, musician, vocalist, and arranger, best known for writing the hymn "I Love You, Lord, Today". Composed in 1985 and published by Chinwah Songs, the piece has become a staple in gospel worship and has been included in several major Christian hymnals, including the African American Heritage Hymnal. ^[1][2]

In addition to his work in gospel music, Hubbard has also written for the musical stage, serving as composer and co-lyricist for several theatrical productions presented at Washington, D.C.-area venues such as MetroStage. His compositions have been featured in original musicals including Three Sistahs and Cool Papa’s Party, which blend gospel, jazz, and soul with theatrical storytelling.^[3]

Hubbard's musical career spans both gospel and musical theater. He has collaborated with prominent gospel artists such as Edwin Hawkins and Richard Smallwood, and his compositions have been showcased in productions like "Two Queens, One Castle" by Jevetta Steele. ^[4] His work has also been featured at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, where his compositions were part of performances reflecting the rich cultural history of the gospel tradition.^[3]

Recognized as one of the most influential gospel musicians from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Hubbard’s contributions continue to resonate in both worship services and theatrical performances. His gospel compositions, particularly "I Love You, Lord, Today", have become staples in churches and are regularly sung in worship services nationwide.^[5]

Hubbard has worked extensively with gospel sing-songwriter, Edwin Hawkins, most notably as the composer of the track "I Love You, Lord, Today", which was featured on Hawkins' 1985 album Have Mercy. ^[6]

• Maranatha! Gospel: Included on the compilation album Top 25 Gospel Praise Songs.^[7]

• Damien Sneed: Released a rendition as a digital single in 2015.^[8]

• Benita Jones: Performed a live version available on YouTube.^[9]

• Phillip Carter: Arranged and performed the song in a live worship session.^[10]

• Zemira-Maria Matadi: Covered the song in a studio performance.^[11]

• E. Dewey Smith: Shared a personal rendition via his YouTube channel.^[12]

• Rodney East & Marvin L. Winans: Performed the song in a live worship setting.^[13]

• Grace Fellowship, Daniel Amstutz: Included the track on the album Come Celebrate (Singing With Grace, Vol. 4).^[14]

• Pastor Percell Kizer: Released an instrumental version on SoundCloud.^[15]

• Anthony J. Brice (AjamEntertainment): Performed in a live Facebook video.^[16]

• Lupita: Covered the song in a medley with “There's None Like You.”^[17]

• Kefia Rollerson: Shared a brief rendition on TikTok.^[18]

• Jared Reynolds: Included the song in a piano medley with “We Exalt Thee.”^[19]

• Richard Smallwood: gospel artist, Smallwood worked with Hubbard on various projects, including the 1984 album Workshop Choir by Wesley Boyd, where Hubbard contributed as a pianist and Smallwood served as the producer and organist. ^[20]

• Wesley Boyd: gospel musician and composer, Boyd collaborated with Hubbard on the Workshop Choir album, showcasing their combined musical talents. ^[20]
• Jevetta Steele: An actress and singer, Steele’s musical theater production Two Queens, One Castle featured Hubbard’s compositions, highlighting his versatility in both gospel and theatrical music.^[21]

• Crowns (2003–2004): Hubbard served as music director for this musical adaptation of *Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats* by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry. The production was staged at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, and the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, and later ran at Second Stage Off-Broadway.^[22]

• Two Queens, One Castle (2006): Hubbard composed music for this musical by Jevetta Steele, which was performed at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. ^[4]

• Pippin (2003): Hubbard was the music director for this production at Round House Theatre in Bethesda, Maryland. ^[23]

• Three Sistahs (2007): Hubbard served as music director for this production at MetroStage in Alexandria, Virginia. ^[24]

• 2004 Winner 'Outstanding Musical Direction, Resident Production' for Crowns at Arena Stage.^[25]

• 2005 Nominee 'Outstanding Supporting Actor, Resident Musical' for Mahalia at MetroStage.^[26]

• 2014 Nominee 'Outstanding Musical Direction, Resident Production' for Gee's Bend at MetroStage.^[27]

• Making Sistahs Sing: It's All Relative – The Washington Post feature on William Hubbard and Three Sistahs (August 8, 2007)
• Musical Theater Nerds Not Here – The Washington Post on Hubbard’s work featured at MetroStage (January 28, 2016)
• MetroStage’s New Season – The Washington Post preview of Hubbard’s upcoming productions (July 25, 2007)
• Hines to Choreograph Cool Papa’s Party with Hubbard, White, and Williams at MetroStage – Playbill on William Hubbard’s musical (January 5, 2009)
• Three Sistahs – DC Theatre Scene review of William Hubbard’s musical (August 2, 2007)