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On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas A. Dorsey grew up in a religious home in Georgia but made his name playing blues and jazz in Chicago, working with performers such as Ma Rainey while developing a new style of sacred music rooted in the sounds of Black American life. At first, many churches wanted nothing to do with it. By the early 1930s, however, Dorsey was helping transform gospel music in Chicago and beyond.

Dorsey’s life changed in 1932 when his wife died in childbirth, and their newborn son died soon afterward. Overcome with grief, Dorsey sat down at a piano and began composing what would become one of the greatest gospel songs ever written: “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” Robert Marovich, founder and editor of the Journal of Gospel Music, shares the story.

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas A. Dorsey grew up in a religious home in Georgia but made his name playing blues and jazz in Chicago, working with performers such as Ma Rainey while developing a new style of sacred music rooted in the sounds of Black American life. At first, many churches wanted nothing to do with it. By the early 1930s, however, Dorsey was helping transform gospel music in Chicago and beyond. Dorsey&rsquo;s life changed in 1932 when his wife died in childbirth, and their newborn son died soon afterward. Overcome with grief, Dorsey sat down at a piano and began composing what would become one of the greatest gospel songs ever written: &ldquo;Precious Lord, Take My Hand.&rdquo; Robert Marovich, founder and editor of the Journal of Gospel Music, shares the story.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate</a><a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">)</a>

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories tells stories that aren&rsquo;t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we&rsquo;ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Thomas Dorsey and the Tragedy Behind “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/0466e447-f50c-4a59-ba5c-b4fe015e013d/transcript