First Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you,” was the comforting text that inspired this poem. Frank Graeff had been in a time of physical trouble, doubt, and depression, and the stanzas reflect a questioning attitude about whether Jesus is far away or close by when we are in trouble. The refrain gives the resounding answer, “O yes, He cares,” echoing the words of Scripture. Graeff said, “The hymn seems to carry comfort and hope to troubled hearts, and I am glad I had the inspiration to write it.”

Born December 19, 1860, in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, Graeff was educated in this “Pennsylvania Dutch” territory. He became a Methodist minister and served as a pastor of many different churches. Because of his ability as a storyteller and writer, with a special emphasis on ministry to children, he gained a reputation as “The Sunshine Minister.” He wrote a successful book, The Minister’s Twins, and authored more than 200 hymns and songs. He died at Ocean Grove, New Jersey, on July 29, 1919. C. Austin Miles, who wrote “In the Garden” (see SDAH 487), said this about Graeff: “He is a spiritual optimist, a great friend of children; his bright sunshiny disposition attracts him not only to children but to all with whom he comes in contact. He has a holy magnetism and a childlike faith.”

The composer of the music, Joseph Lincoln Hall, inherited a talent for music from his parents, who were recognized musicians in Philadelphia, where he was born November 4, 1866. At 19 he was appointed director of achoir of 100 members, and held that post for 10 years. Studying harmony, counterpoint, fugue, and orchestration at the University of Pennsylvania, he graduated with high honors. Later he was honored with a D.Mus. degree from Harriman University.

While he lived, his greatest source of fame was as a director of large choirs, including camp meetings in Pennsylvania and Ohio. He led the chorus at Pitman Grove and at Gainesville Bible Conference in Florida. The 1910 summer season at Ocean Grove, New Jersey, found him leading the singing there. He composed music in many different forms, including oratorios, cantatas, anthems, hymns, and gospel songs. It is said that he possessed a beautiful tenor voice, and was an accomplished organist. He was associated with Hall-Mack Company, a music publisher that later merged with the Rodeheaver Company of Winona Lake, Indiana (now a part of Word, Inc.). “Does Jesus Care?” was written about 1901, but was not published until 1905, when it appeared in New Songs of the Gospel. Hall wrote hundreds of gospel songs, but said that this one was his “most inspired piece of music.” He died at Philadelphia on November 29, 1930.