Hymns and spirituals sung by African American ancestors will be highlighted at the “Celebration of Black History Songs of Praise” featuring Carol Raines-Brown, an anointed worship leader and vocalist.
A new exhibit reveals Black L.A.’s key role in the evolution of gospel music. “How Sweet the Sound: Gospel Music in Los Angeles” uses vintage photographs, video recordings and other memorabilia to tell how African American artists and churches created a global musical phenomenon. The multi-media presentation is at the California African American Museum in Exposition Park until August 26. The historical display charts the Black religious experience in Los Angeles from 1872 to the early 1970s. Within that timeframe, a range of innovators and ministries are highlighted for their contributions to the genre. Starting with Biddy Mason, the founder of First AME
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