Thomas A. Dorsey III is leading efforts to preserve the history and legacy of his grandfather through the organization of the Thomas A Dorsey Project. Widely regarded as the Fa
ther of Gospel Music, Thomas Dorsey a noted blues musician who found God in the midst of personal tragedy combined elements of the blues with spiritual lyrics and personal life experiences to form Gospel music. Dorsey composed over three hundred songs, including Precious Lord, Take My Hand, a favorite of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr which was sung at his funeral by Mahalia Jackson and recorded by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Aretha Franklin, Candi Staton, Al Green and others. Dorsey was featured in the documentary Say Amen Somebody with Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith, Sallie Martin, The Oneal Twins & The Barrett Sisters.
The Thomas Dorsey Project aims to increase awareness of Thomas A. Dorsey’s contributions to the rich tapestry of American culture and expose new generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and music lovers over the world to his works.
Tags: Aretha Franklin, Dr. Martin Luther King, Father of Gospel Music, mahalia jackson, Say Amen Somebody, Take My Hand Precious Lord, Thomas Dorsey