William Selby (1738–1798[1]) was an English organist, harpsichordist, choirmaster and composer who emigrated to America.
[4]: 12 Beginning at the age of 17, he held several positions in London as organist including at St Sepulchre-without-Newgate (1760–1770) and also at the now demolished All Hallows, Bread Street (1756–73).
Three years later, Selby became organist at King's Chapel in Boston where he organized the first colonial music festival.
[8] Selby's surviving works include two voluntaries and one Fugue for the organ, a lesson in C for the harpsichord, and an anthem for Thanksgiving Day.
[7] The patriotic choral ode To Columbia’s Favourite Son, was performed at the Stone Chapel in 1786, in the presence of President Washington.