Off My Musical Library's Shelf...
In the early 20th century a single individual, Thomas A. Dorsey born in Villa Rica Georgia learned to play the piano as a youth in a Baptist Church. As a accompanist for such famed Blues singers as Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith, and after seeing Charles A. Tindley perform at the National Baptist Convention, Thomas D. became inspired to compose church music with a Blues influence. Though these new sounds were initially rejected by the Baptist establishment, Dorsey continued to promote his music. After several years of Dorsey's struggle to find acceptance by the church, other singers/musicians such as Mother Willie Mae Ford and Lucy Campbell also begin to promote Gospel music. This, along with Dorsey's persisent efforts, finally led to Gospel Music's acceptance. By 1932, Dorsey had established The National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, an institution which continue to flourish today. by the time of his death in 1993, Dorsey had written over 800 songs, spanning the near-century of Gospel Music's existence...
Gospel singer, Clara Ward sang Gospel music in nightclubs, creating a wider audience; she soon receieved attention from the recording industry. Her 1950's hit, "Surely God Is Able," is credited as Gospel Music's first million-selling record.
