William Studwell


William Emmett Studwell was an American librarian who became known for his knowledge of carols.

Biography

William Studwell was born in Stamford, Connecticut and he studied history at the University of Connecticut.

Fight songs

The University of Notre Dame song is one of the most recognizable collegiate fight songs in the United States. Studwell ranked the song first, and said it was "more borrowed, more famous and, frankly, you just hear it more."

Christmas carols

Studwell had started to choose a carol for each year starting in 1986 when he chose the Ukrainian Carol of the Bells. Studwell took an academic interest in carols which he had spent over 6,000 hours in study. Before Christmas each year he would announce the new carol and he would be invited to interviews with the media where he was quizzed on his choice.
Studwell died in Bloomington Hospital in 2010. The day before he died he dictated a letter to his daughter which recorded his selection of a carol for 2010. Studwell fittingly chose We Wish You a Merry Christmas which is "frequently the final piece in carol performances sessions".