Dorothy Love Coates facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dorothy Love Coates
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Dorothy McGriff |
| Born | January 30, 1928 |
| Origin | Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | April 9, 2002 (aged 74) |
| Genres | Gospel |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1949–1970 |
| Labels | Specialty, Savoy, Vee-Jay, Columbia, Nashboro |
Dorothy Love Coates (born January 30, 1928 – died April 9, 2002) was an amazing American gospel singer. She was known for her powerful voice and inspiring songs. Dorothy became famous in the 1950s and used her music to share important messages.
Contents
Who Was Dorothy Love Coates?
Her Early Life and Music Journey
Dorothy McGriff was born in Birmingham, Alabama. Life was tough for her when she was young. She started playing piano at her Baptist Church when she was ten. A few years later, she joined her sisters and brother in a group called the McGriff Singers.
Dorothy left school to work different jobs in Birmingham in the 1940s. She began singing with a group called the Gospel Harmoneers. This group later became known as the Gospel Harmonettes. She married Willie Love, a singer from The Fairfield Four, but they later divorced. She then married Carl Coates in 1959.
Becoming a Gospel Star
Dorothy Coates became very famous in the 1950s. She was a key member of The Original Gospel Harmonettes. Her unique voice and energetic style made her stand out. She could sing with as much power as the best male gospel singers of her time.
Dorothy was also a talented songwriter. She wrote many popular songs. Some of her most famous songs include "You Can't Hurry God (He's Right On Time)", "99 and a Half Won't Do", and "That's Enough".
The Original Gospel Harmonettes' Rise to Fame
The Gospel Harmonettes first gained attention in 1940. This was when the National Baptist Convention came to Birmingham. The group had amazing members:
- Evelyn Starks was a fantastic pianist whose style was often copied.
- Mildred Madison Miller was the lead singer with a warm, down-home sound.
- Odessa Edwards was a clear-voiced alto who could create excitement with her sermonettes.
- Vera Conner Kolb was a soprano known for her easy high notes.
- Willie Mae Thomss Newberry Garth was the group's deep-voiced alto.
The group even had a regular radio show. It was sponsored by A.G. Gaston, a local businessman.
First Recordings and Big Hits
The group first recorded for RCA in 1949. This was before Dorothy Love joined them for recordings. Their first songs for Specialty Records were "I'm Sealed" and "Get Away Jordan". These were recorded with Dorothy in 1951 and were very successful. The group went on to record many more hits before they stopped performing together in 1958.
Dorothy was the main reason for the group's success. She sang with so much spirit that sometimes other members had to help her back to the stage! She also became known for speaking out. She would share strong messages about things she saw wrong in the church and the world.
Speaking Out for Change
During a break from music (from 1959 to 1961), Dorothy Love became active in the Civil Rights Movement. She worked with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr.. She often told her audiences, "The Lord has blessed our going out and our coming in. He's blessed our sitting in, too."
While many other gospel artists avoided political topics, Dorothy Coates was brave. She spoke out against the Vietnam War, racism, and other problems. She also criticized how gospel singers were sometimes treated unfairly by music promoters.
Dorothy reformed the Harmonettes in 1961. When that group later disbanded, she continued to tour with her new group, the Dorothy Love Coates Singers. She recorded music with her group and as a solo artist. She appeared in the films "The Long Walk Home" and "Beloved" later in her career.
Dorothy Coates passed away in Birmingham on April 9, 2002, at age 74.
Her Lasting Impact
Dorothy Coates always stayed true to gospel music. She turned down offers to sing pop or soul music. However, many artists, like Little Richard, copied her powerful singing style. Other songwriters were inspired by her songs. For example, Wilson Pickett's "99 and a Half Won't Do" and the Supremes' hit "You Can't Hurry Love" were inspired by her work.
The Jerry Garcia Band recorded her song "I'll Be with Thee". Singer Mavis Staples has also said that Dorothy Love Coates influenced her singing style. Dorothy's music and message continue to inspire people today.
