Dorsey, Thomas Andrew
(1899–1993)
Dorsey, Thomas Andrew (July 1, 1899, Villa Rica, GA; January 23, 1993, Chicago, IL) Acknowledged as the father of gospel music, Thomas Dorsey was a composer, music publisher, performer, educator, choir director, and organizer of some of the most important conventions in the genre. He worked tirelessly for the acceptance of gospel into Baptist churches, and revolutionized gospel music publishing. Dorsey, known as “ Georgia Tom ” and “ Barrelhouse Tom ,” was a noted blues artist and composer…