Question

Which gospel artist was considered an innovator in gospel music, worked to disassociate gospel music from slavery, and was the first African American to start a black-owned publishing company?

A)Mahaila Jackson
B)Rev. James Cleveland
C)Edwin Hakins
D)Tomas A. Dorsey

Answer 1

D) Thomas A. Dorsey

Dorsey was famously known as the father of Black gospel music. His version of gospel music involved jazz and the blues along with Christian praise. Dorsey's most well known gospel songs are "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" and "Peace in the Valley". In his 20s and 30s, Dorsey was a blues pianist and student of music in Chicago.

Answer 2

Thomas A. Dorsey is the answer. Thomas created the first black owned publishing company in 1932 and it was called "Dorsey House of Music." Dorsey is considered to be the father of Gospel music because he created it. Dorsey borrowed elements from spirituals to create a new form of music.