Died On This Date (January 5, 2009) Willa Mae Dorsey / Gospel Great
themusicsover Willa Mae Dorsey
DOB Unknown – January 5, 2009
Willa Mae Dorsey was a Grammy-nominated Gospel singer whose career spanned nearly 60 years. She began singing while still in her teens, often songs written by her cousin Thomas A. Dorsey, the “Father of Gospel Music.” Over the years, she sang for princes and presidents and reportedly was one of the first black singers to sing in white churches. In 1969, she released her first album, The World’s Most Exciting Gospel Singer, for which she was nominated for a Grammy. The following year, she released what would become her best-selling album, Stand Tall. Willa Mae Dorsey, age 75, died on January 5, 2009 after a series of strokes.
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 