Thomas Dorsey

Thomas Dorsey was an American musician whose work helped shape gospel music. As a young man, he performed blues under the name Georgia Tom and chased success in clubs and house parties. His father's counsel and a song at a church convention drew him back toward the faith he had neglected. Dorsey began writing sacred music with the emotional power and musical language familiar to ordinary listeners, though many churches initially rejected the new style. He struggled to give God more than the leftovers of his talent and attention. Through professional disappointment and profound personal sorrow, he learned to turn pain into prayerful music. His best-known work includes "Take My Hand, Precious Lord," and he became known as the father of gospel music.