Johannes Ockeghem was born in northeastern France. Not much is known about his life, but we do know that he was a singer, composer, and teacher. He was considered one of the leading composers of his time. Ockeghem held several positions during his life. In the 1440s he worked as a singer at a church in Antwerp. He then went on to work at the private chapel of the French Duke of Bourbon. Around 1450, he entered the service of the French royal court, where he would serve three kings over the span of forty years! Ockeghem is known for writing music for voice, including French songs, motets, and masses.
