Martin, Roberta
(1907–1969)
Martin, Roberta (February 12, 1907, Helena, AR; January 18, 1969, Chicago, IL) A singer, pianist, composer, arranger, organizer of groups and choirs, and operator of one of Chicago’s largest gospel music publishing houses, Roberta Martin was one of the innovators of the dominant sound during the golden age of gospel music (1945–1960) as well as a progenitor of the new sounds of gospel music immediately after. Born Roberta Evelyn Winston on February 12, 1907, in Helena, Arkansas, to William and…