Thomas Weelkes was an English composer active in the late Elizabethan and early Jacobean eras. He was born in 1576 in Sussex, England and held positions as an organist at Winchester College and Chichester Cathedral. Weelkes published several volumes of madrigals and wrote many Anglican church services and anthems. However, he struggled with alcoholism and unruly behavior, which led to his dismissal from Chichester Cathedral at one point. Weelkes is best known for his innovative vocal music, especially his chromatic madrigals, and he made contributions to English church music through his anthems and services.