DORSEY, THOMAS A.

(1899, Villa Rica, Georgia – 23 January 1993, Chicago)

   "The father of gospel music," renowned performer and composer of gospel songs. After a successful career in blues with Ma Rainey, Dorsey devoted the rest of his career to the promotion of gospel music. He founded the Thomas A. Dorsey Publishing Company in 1931 and composed over 500 songs, including "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" (1932).