Charles Henry Pace facts for kids

Charles Henry Pace (born August 4, 1886, in Atlanta, Georgia; died December 16, 1963, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) was an important American musician. He was a talented composer, a music publisher, and a director of choirs. He is especially known for his Christian music, including many gospel songs.

Charles Henry Pace's Early Life and Music

When Charles Henry Pace was 13 years old, his family moved to Chicago. In Chicago, he continued to study the piano. He started writing gospel songs and arranging spirituals. These were special songs for churches like Beth Eden Baptist Church and Liberty Baptist Church.

Forming the Pace Jubilee Singers

In 1925, Charles Henry Pace created a gospel group called the Pace Jubilee Singers. This group recorded many songs. Some of these songs were written by Pace himself. Others were by famous gospel composers like Charles Albert Tindley. The group recorded for well-known labels such as Victor and Brunswick Records between 1926 and 1929. A very famous musician named Thomas A. Dorsey even played with the group for a short time.

Moving to Pittsburgh and Publishing Music

In 1936, Pace moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There, he started a new music group called the Pace Gospel Choral Union. This choir began with 25 singers. For special events, it could grow to about 300 singers! The choir performed gospel songs and spirituals. African-American churches in Pittsburgh and nearby areas often invited them to perform. These concerts helped the churches raise money.

Starting Music Publishing Companies

Charles Henry Pace also started two music publishing companies in Pittsburgh.

• The first was the Old Ship of Zion Music Company, which operated from 1936 to 1951.
• The second was Charles H. Pace Music Publishers, active from 1952 to 1963.

Through these companies, Pace published most of his own music. He wrote 104 sacred (religious) songs and arrangements. He also wrote 26 secular (non-religious) songs. Between 1941 and 1945, the Old Ship of Zion Music Company became very successful. It had 301 agents who helped sell its songs. It also had 2,511 customers who ordered music directly by mail across the United States. This made it one of the most famous gospel music publishers in America.

What Made His Gospel Songs Special?

Charles Henry Pace's gospel songs were similar to those by Charles Albert Tindley. They usually had a verse and a chorus that repeated. The songs had melodies that were easy to remember. Their harmonies were simple but very effective.

Categories of His Gospel Songs

A researcher named Mary Tyler studied Pace's 104 gospel songs in 1980. She divided them into five main types:

• Personal Testimonies: Songs about his own experiences and faith.
• Questioning Belief and Introspection: Songs that explored doubts or deep thoughts about faith.
• Scriptural Messages: Songs based on stories or teachings from the Bible.
• Dialogue with God: Songs that felt like a conversation with God.
• Personal Counsel to Listeners: Songs that offered advice or guidance to people.

Preserving His Legacy

Charles Henry Pace's important work and musical archives are kept safe. They are preserved at the University of Pittsburgh. This helps people learn about his contributions to music history.

Not to Be Confused With Harry Pace

Sometimes, people might confuse Charles Henry Pace with another person named Harry Pace. Harry Herbert Pace (1884–1943) was also an American music publisher. He was known for starting Black Swan Records. But they were two different people with different careers.