Thomas A. Dorsey
July 1, 1899 – January 23, 1993
Thomas A. Dorsey was a ’20s era singer, musician and composer who has been called the “Father of Gospel.” Dorsey’s career began in jazz during the early ’20s, a time when he formed the backing band for Ma Rainey. In 1928, and going by the name, Georgia Tom, Dorsey teamed up with Tampa Red to record “Tight Like That” which went on to sell seven million copies. Over the course of his career, he is said to have written over 400 songs. During the mid ’20s, Dorsey set his focus creating a music that would become known as Gospel. He took standard Christian praise and married it with jazz and blues. Many of his gospel songs have become standards and have been recorded by greats of future generations of rock ‘n roll and R&B. Thomas A. Dorsey was 93 when he passed away on January 23, 1993.
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