Frye, Theodore R.
(1899–1963)
Frye, Theodore R. (September 10, 1899, Fayette, MO; August 26, 1963) Theodore R. Frye moved to Chicago in 1927, looking for an opportunity to serve as a church musician. He was a trained composer, songwriter, and pianist, and he played the piano for “the Father of Gospel Music,” Thomas A. Dorsey (1899–1993). Dorsey learned that Frye had a beautiful high baritone voice, so Dorsey played piano so that Frye could sing spirituals. The two became close friends, serving as codirectors of the junior…