Albertina Walker facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Albertina Walker
Walker in 2001
Background information
Born	(1929-08-29)August 29, 1929 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died	October 8, 2010(2010-10-08) (aged 81) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres	Gospel
Occupation(s)	Singer, composer, producer, actress
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1941–2010
Labels	Malaco Records Savoy Records Benson Records Word Records A&M Records Scepter Records Hob Records
Associated acts	Sisters of Glory Robert Anderson James Cleveland The Caravans Mahalia Jackson Inez Andrews Shirley Caesar Dorothy Norwood O'landa Draper

Albertina Walker (born August 29, 1929 – died October 8, 2010) was an American gospel singer, songwriter, actress, and a very kind person who helped others. She was known as the "Queen of Gospel Music" because of her amazing talent and contributions to gospel music.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Albertina Walker was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Ruben and Camilla Coleman Walker. Her parents moved to Chicago from Georgia. Albertina was one of nine children.

She started singing at a young age in her church choir at the West Point Baptist Church. Later, she joined several gospel groups. A famous gospel singer named Mahalia Jackson was a friend and mentor to Albertina. Mahalia even took Albertina on tour when she was a teenager. Mahalia encouraged Albertina to sing on her own.

In 1951, Albertina decided to form her own group called The Caravans. This was a big step in her musical journey.

Building a Musical Career

In the early 1950s, Albertina Walker started her own gospel music group, The Caravans. She invited other talented singers to join her. Over the years, many famous gospel artists were part of The Caravans, including James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, and Inez Andrews. Because she helped so many singers get their start, Albertina was often called the "Star Maker."

In the late 1960s, Albertina decided to perform as a solo artist. She signed with several record companies and released many solo albums. She often recorded with large church choirs. Some of her most popular songs include "Please Be Patient With Me" and "Joy Will Come." She recorded over 60 albums in her career!

Albertina Walker even sang for important leaders like United States Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and South Africa's President, Nelson Mandela.

In 1995, she joined other singers to form a group called The Sisters of Glory. They recorded a gospel album together. Later, in 2006, she reunited with The Caravans to record an album called Paved the Way. This album was very successful and was nominated for several awards, including a Grammy.

Her Impact and Helping Others

Albertina Walker was recognized in many ways for her contributions to music and her community. She is mentioned in important books about gospel music. The city of Chicago honored her by placing a bench with her name in Grant Park and renaming a street "Albertina Walker and The Caravans Drive." She also received an honorary degree from the Chicago Theological Seminary.

Albertina was not just a singer; she was also a humanitarian. She helped start the Gospel Music Workshop of America with James Cleveland. She also supported many charities, like the United Negro College Fund, the American Cancer Society, and the NAACP.

In 1988, Albertina founded The Albertina Walker Scholarship Foundation. This foundation helps college students who want to study music by giving them scholarships. She truly believed in helping young people follow their dreams.

Later Years and Passing

Albertina Walker battled respiratory problems for many years. She passed away on October 8, 2010, at the age of 81. Even in her final days, she showed her strength and spirit.

Discography

Notable singles

• "I'm Still Here"
• "Please Be Patient with Me"
• "I Can Go to God in Prayer"
• "I Got a Feeling (Everything Will Be Alright)"
• "The Best Is Yet to Come"
• "Impossible Dream"
• "Joy Will Come"
• "God Is Our Creator"
• "Work on Me"
• "In Shady Green Pastures"
• "Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around"
• "When God Dips His Pin of Love in My Heart"
• "If I Perish"
• "Ain't Got Tired Yet"
• "Since I Met Jesus"
• "Lord Keep Me Day by Day"
• "Mary Don't You Weep" Albertina Walker
• "Remember Me"
• "I Know the Lord Will Make a Way"
• "I'm Willing"
• "Show Some Sign"
• "I Won't Be Back"
• "Make It In"
• "Jesus Will Fix It"

Videography

Film and other appearances

• Leap of Faith – a movie starring Steve Martin and Debra Winger
• Going Home to Gospel with Patti Labelle
• The Gospel Truth – an Off-Broadway play
• The Evolution of Gospel
• The Gospel Legends

Television appearances

Walker appeared on popular TV shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, and The Tavis Smiley Show. She was also a frequent guest on gospel music programs on BET and Word television networks.

Awards and Honors

Albertina Walker received many awards and honors throughout her long career:

• 1995 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Gospel Album (Songs of The Church)
• 10 Grammy Award nominations
• 5 Gold Records (meaning her albums sold over 500,000 copies!)
• 3 Stellar Awards
• 3 Dove Awards
• Many Gospel Music Workshop of America Excellence Awards
• Induction into the 2001 Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee
• Honored by President George Bush in 2002 for her contributions to gospel music
• 2005 National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, which is the highest honor for folk and traditional arts in the U.S. government.

See also

In Spanish: Albertina Walker para niños