Amy Woodforde-Finden, born Amelia Rowe Ward in 1860 in Valparaiso, Chile, was the youngest of nine children of American parents Alfred Richard Ward and Virginia Worthington Heath. Her father served as the United States Consul in Chile. Following his death in 1867, her family moved to London, where they became naturalized UK citizens in 1873.

Amy married Lt Col Woodford Woodforde-Finden, a brigadier and surgeon in the 11th Bengal Cavalry and the 2nd Gurkhas, who passed away in 1916. After his death, Amy and her mother relocated to London. Amy died on 13 March 1919 and was buried in the churchyard of St Thomas à Becket Parish Church, Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire.

A composer, Amy studied music and initially published her works under her maiden name. She gained recognition for her set of Indian Love Lyrics, with words by Lawrence Hope, a pseudonym for Adele Florence Nicolson. Among these, the Kashmiri Song became particularly popular, achieving significant commercial success. Her music, characterized by evocative melodies and harmonies, captured the essence of her era and continues to be appreciated for its atmospheric qualities. A monument in her honor, sculpted by George Wade, stands in Hampsthwaite Parish Church, depicting scenes from her songs and symbolizing her legacy.