Sallie Martin

November 20th, 1895

A gospel singer and music publisher is born in Atlanta, GA. This lady and the Rev. Thomas Dorsey established the foundation for Black music as we know it today. They made gospel music a very lucrative business by establishing its first music publishing outlet and creating its tour circuit. This lady met Dorsey when she joined his Ebenezer Baptist Church Choir in 1932 and became lead singer of his choir. She later formed the Sallie Martin Singers, one of whom was the young Ruth Jones who later changed her name to Dinah Washington. They became the first successful female gospel group. In the mid 50s she disbanded the singers and in the mid 80s at the age of 90 she was still active in gospel music.

Happy Birthday to Sallie Martin.

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