Georgia Tom, (Thomas Dorsey) is considered by many to be the father of black gospel music.  He was born in Villa Rica, Georgia in 1899, living to the ripe old age of 93, passing away in 1993.  His early career was spent with such famous blues men as Tampa Red.  Later in his career, he turned to gospel, writing many current standards.  These include “Peace In The Valley” (recorded by Mahalia Jackson) and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand“.  His songs have  been recorded by a veritable who’s who of the music world.  think, Elvis Presley, think Aretha Franklin, even Roy Rogers.  Now to some music.

First up is a blues number sung by the man himself.

Maybe It’s The Blues

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This next one is a recording of Mahalia Jackson.

Peace In The Valley

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Here is Elvis singing Precious Lord

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As a final treat, we have Thomas Dorsey discussing gospel music  and the story behind Precious Lord.  Great stuff.

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• Thomas A Dorsey, the Father of Gospel (showedupandshowedout.wordpress.com)