February 12, 1907 Roberta Martin, gospel singer, composer, and choral organizer, was born in Helena, Arkansas, but raised in Chicago, Illinois. In 1933, Martin co-founded the Martin-Frye Quartet. In 1936, the group was renamed the Roberta Martin Singers and they set the standard for gospel choirs, recording such hits as “Only A Look” (1949) and [...]
Tag Archives | gospel singer
October 8th in African American History – Albertina Walker
October 8, 2010 Albertina Walker, gospel singer, died. Walker was born August 29, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois. She started singing in church choirs at an early age and by the time she was a teenager, she was touring with Mahalia Jackson. In 1951, Walker formed The Caravans and soon after she earned the title “Queen [...]
August 30th in African American History – Marie Roach Knight
August 30, 2009 Marie Roach Knight, gospel and R&B singer, died. Knight was born June 1, 1920 in Sanford, Florida. She first toured with evangelist Frances Robinson. In 1946, she made her first recordings as a member of The Sunset Four. That same year, Knight met Sister Rosetta Tharp, and they performed and recorded together [...]
April 13th in African American History – Albert Greene
April 13, 1946 Albert Greene (Al Green), gospel and soul singer, was born in Forrest City, Arkansas. Green started performing at the age of 10 and in 1967 recorded his debut album, “Back Up Train.” His breakthrough occurred in 1970 with the release of the album “Al Green Gets Next to You” which contained such [...]
October 9th in African American History – Rosetta Tharpe
October 9, 1973 Rosetta Tharpe, gospel singer and songwriter, died. Tharpe was born March 20, 1915 in Cotton Plant, Arkansas. She began performing at the age of 4, accompanying her mother at tent revivals across the South. Tharpe made her recording debut in 1938 and soon became the first great recording star of gospel music.