“Precious Lord

Black History Month – Thomas A. Dorsey

A Moment in African American Faith History – Thomas A. Dorsey Thomas A. Dorsey, widely considered as “The Father of Black Gospel Music,” was born in Villa Rica, Georgia in 1899. Initially a popular blues pianist, he committed his work to God following the death of his wife and infant son in 1932. During his mourning, he composed “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” In 1932, he established Dorsey House of Music, the first Black gospel music publishing company. Dorsey would go on to co-found the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. From 1932 until the late 1970s, he served