Thompson attended
The Lawrenceville School, where his father was an English teacher. He then attended
Harvard University, studying under A.T. Davison,
Edward Burlingame Hill, and Walter Spalding; in New York he studied privately with composer
Ernest Bloch. The lyrics are lifted from the "Americana" section of
H. L. Mencken's
American Mercury magazine, which would reprint quotes and stories from U.S. publications. The song cycle's texts come from such publications as the Seattle, Washington,
Post-Intelligencer, the Little Rock, Arkansas,
Gazette, and a leaflet issued by the National Women's Christian Temperance Union. Established in 1964, this award sought "to bring a declaration of appreciation to an individual each year that has made a significant contribution to the world of music and helped to create a climate in which our talents may find valid expression." He was also a recipient of
Yale University's
Sanford Medal. ==Works==