Ira Sankey was the first music director of the masses in American evangelism. The Sweet Singer of Methodism brought to the Moody revivals energy and inspiration that prepared hearts for the messages of the famous evangelist. He set the pattern for those who later followed in his footsteps - Charles Alexander, Homer Rodeheaver, and Cliff Barrows. More than any other man, he was the one who ushered in the gospel song era. Sankey was a fabulous leader of congregations and choirs. He was a soloist of great ability, singing special music everywhere he went. He also helped in the inquiry room. His publication, "My Life And the Story of the Gospel Hymns And of Sacred Songs And Solos", came out in 1906. It was written from the memory of the original manuscript, which was lost in a fire in 1901 at Battle Creek, Michigan, just prior to publication.