Dorsey moved from Atlanta to Chicago in 1916, and performed as
blues pianist “Georgia Tom” during the 1920s. He published a
number of popular songs, often with risqué lyrics, and performed
with Ma Rainey’s blues band.

When Dorsey decided to devote himself to religious music, he took
the emotional intensity of the cabaret to the church, composing
such works as “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” and “Peace in the
Valley.” Dorsey’s songs were enormously popular—even the leading
white gospel publishers were anthologizing his music by 1939.

Though gospel was initially controversial within old-line black churches, Dorsey
gave it legitimacy after becoming music director at Pilgrim Baptist Church, one
of the largest black churches in the U.S., from 1932 to 1983. He and his family
spent many of those years at 7921 South Indiana Avenue.

Dorsey founded the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses in
1933, and served as its president for four decades, influencing generations of
musicians.