Morley was an English composer who had studied with William Byrd.

He became a master of the choristers for Norwich Cathedral in 1583 and remained in that position until 1587.

Following his employment at Norwich, Morley became the organist for St Paul's Catehdral in London (1587).

Influential as an editor, composer and musicographer, Morley composed in numerous sacred genres including anthems, psalms, motets and many secular genres such as madrigals, solo songs, keyboard pieces and instrumental works.

Because of Morley's editions and collections of Italian music with English texts, Italian madrigals became popular and conventional in Elizabethan England.

As a compiler Morley's "The Triumphes of Oriana" was a successful contribution specifically regarding the English madrigal.