Dorothy Vernell Simmons facts for kids

Dorothy Vernell Simmons (1910-1996) was an important American gospel singer. She is best known for starting and singing with a group called the Simmons-Akers Singers. This group was based in Los Angeles and became very popular.

Who Was Dorothy Simmons?

Dorothy Simmons was born in 1910 in a place called Powhatan, Louisiana. When she was seven years old, her family moved to a big city, Chicago. After finishing high school, Dorothy started working at a music company.

Her Musical Journey

In 1940, Dorothy joined a famous gospel group called the Sallie Martin Singers. This was an important step in her music career. She learned a lot about gospel music and performing.

Moving to Los Angeles

In 1947, Dorothy Simmons moved to Los Angeles, California. This city was becoming a major center for gospel music. It was a great place for her to continue her musical journey.

The Simmons-Akers Singers

In 1948, Dorothy Simmons teamed up with another talented singer named Doris Akers (1923-1995). Together, they formed their own group, the Simmons-Akers Singers. This group quickly became a big part of the growing gospel music scene in Los Angeles.

Their Unique Sound

The Simmons-Akers Singers were known for their beautiful and smooth sound. Their music focused on strong melodies that were easy to enjoy. Dorothy sang the high parts, called soprano. Doris sang the slightly lower parts, known as mezzo-soprano or alto. Their voices blended together perfectly.

Dorothy Simmons passed away in 1996. Her work with the Simmons-Akers Singers left a lasting mark on gospel music.