Dorsey, Thomas Andrew

Dorsey, Thomas Andrew (dôr'sē) [key], 1899–1993, American gospel musician, b. Villa Rica, Ga. He began his career as a blues pianist and songwriter. Later he became a church choir director in Chicago and was a co-founder of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. Widely known as the “father of the gospel song,” he played an important role in the development of African-American gospel music. In his over 1,000 songs Dorsey combined elements of the blues with traditional African-American religious music. His works include the early “If You See My Savior” and his best-known song, “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.”

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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