| The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07. |
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| Dorsey, Thomas Andrew |
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(dôr´s ) (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. |
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| | | The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright © 2007 Columbia University Press. |
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