What was a significant contribution of William Billings to late-eighteenth-century music?

William Billings made a significant contribution to late-eighteenth-century music through writing and publishing the first collection of entirely American music. This work was crucial in the context of early American culture, as it helped to establish a distinct American musical identity separate from European traditions. Billings' compositions were characterized by their unique style and the incorporation of American themes, reflecting the experiences and aspirations of the new nation.

His collection, "The New-England Psalm-Singer," published in 1770, featured original works that catered specifically to American congregations, making it a pivotal point in the development of American choral music. This collection stands as a landmark achievement in the history of American music and is viewed as a foundational moment in the emergence of a nationalistic music culture during a time when the United States was still finding its artistic voice.