Died On This Date (September 26, 2011) Jessy Dixon / Popular Gospel Singer; Toured With Paul Simon
themusicsover Jessy Dixon
March 12, 1938 – September 26, 2011
Jessy Dixon was highly influential Gospel singer, musician, and songwriter who earned seven Grammy nominations while endearing himself to audiences world wide thanks to his passionately soulful live performances. While deeply committed to his Ministry, Dixon occasionally flirted with pop music, earning accolades from the likes of Natalie Cole, Bette Midler, and Diana Ross. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Dixon was able to find an equal audience in both young and old, and black and white. Nothing spoke to that more than his longtime association with Bill Gaither and his Gospel Hour program. Born in San Antonio, Texas, Dixon began singing when he was just five. He and his family soon moved to Chicago, where he was reportedly discovered by the great James Cleveland who went on to record a few of his songs. After meeting him at his 1972 Newport Jazz Festival performance at Radio City Music Hall, Paul Simon took Dixon on tour with him, launching a collaborative relationship that would last eight years. As reported in the Chicago Tribune, Jessy Dixon passed away on September 26, 2011 at the age of 73.
Thanks to Scott Miller for the assist.
Albertina Walker was a beloved Gospel singer who has been rightfully called the “Queen of Gospel.” Walker began singing while still a child in Chicago, Illinois, driven by the influence of future friend and mentor, the great 
