John Dowland

John Dowland (1563 – February 20, 1626) was an English, possibly Irish-born composer, singer, and lutenist. He is best known today for his song "Flow, my tears".

Very little is known of Dowland's earl

John Dowland (1563 – February 20, 1626) was an English, possibly Irish-born composer, singer, and lutenist. He is best known today for his song "Flow, my tears".

Very little is known of Dowland's early life, but it is generally thought he was born in London or possibly Dublin. It is known that he went to Paris in 1580 where he was in service to the ambassador to the French court. He became a Roman Catholic at this time, which he claimed led to him not being offered a post at Elizabeth I's Protestant court. He worked instead for many years at the court of Christian IV of Denmark. He returned to England in 1606 and in 1612 secured a post as one of James I of England's lutenists. He died in London.