Composer Thomas A. Dorsey, the 'Father of Gospel Music,' is born in Villa Rica, Georgia.
At a Glance
- Date
- 1 July 1899
- Location
- Villa Rica, Georgia
- Key people
- Thomas A. Dorsey
- Category
- Music
- Source
- Recordings; biographical records · Library of Congress
What It Meant Then
He fused blues and sacred music to create modern gospel.
What It Means Now
Dorsey's 'Take My Hand, Precious Lord' became an anthem of faith and the movement.
Cite this page
- MLA
- “Thomas A. Dorsey Is Born.” Black-History.com, 30 Sept. 2026, https://black-history.com/on-this-day/thomas-a-dorsey-is-born/.
- APA
- Black-History.com Editors. (2026, September 30). Thomas A. Dorsey Is Born. Black-History.com. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/thomas-a-dorsey-is-born/
- Chicago
- Black-History.com Editors. “Thomas A. Dorsey Is Born.” Black-History.com. September 30, 2026. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/thomas-a-dorsey-is-born/.
Editorial Note
By the Black-History.com editors. Last reviewed 30 September 2026. To suggest a primary source or a correction, write to editors@black-history.com or use our corrections form.