John Blitheman
English composer, priest and probably a singer, John Blitheman (also spelt John Blithman, John Blytheman or John Blythman), was born in approximately 1525. It's possible that he was also referred to as William Blitheman, as this name is used in the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book, which includes one of his settings of Gloria tibi Trinitas, but the use of 'William' is generally thought to be an error. His output as a composer also includes fifteen pieces in The Mulliner Book.
We know nothing about his early life, but from February 1555 he was chaplain at Christ Church, Oxford, and became master of the choristers there in 1564. From 1569 his name is at the top of the list of lay clerks there.
He became organist of the Chapel Royal in 1585, on the death of Thomas Tallis, and retained this position for the rest of his life. John Bull was his pupil there, and took the job when John Blitheman died, in London, on 23 May 1591.