From an article by Nancy Haught, The Oregonian
Monday January 12, 2009, 9:40 PM
The music that fills a Northeast Portland church Wednesday will honor Willa Mae Dorsey, 75, whose gospel-singing career lasted 56 years, filled five albums and won her a Grammy nomination.
Dorsey died Jan. 5 in a Portland care center after a series of strokes. Her funeral is at 11 a.m. Wednesday at The International Fellowship Family, 4401 N.E. 122nd Ave.
Read more at: Willa Dorsey
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Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
I tried to find some of her recordings on YouTube, but no, there were none. Strange, isn’t it?
I really enjoy your blog. I was very sorry to hear about Ms. Dorsey. Another great singer called home.
Thank you, Ben. Willa Dorsey was a gospel singer cut from the old-school mold.
Willa Dorsey was a wonderful person, always singing about Jesus. Some of her CDs are available on this website, http://everlasting.8k.com/publishing/mediastore/dorsey_media.html
Proceeds go to her family, to help pay for her funeral expenses.
I am looking for a great black church gospel choir in Portland, OR. to take my Dad to see for his 80th birthday…to sing on Sunday, Feb. 14th 2010. Any ideas?
Jan D
Unfortunately, I haven’t a clue, but couldn’t you ask at a newspaper close by? Those guys often have more or less public files.
There is no “old school” of Gospel music. You either sing the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST, or you sing pop.