Lena McLin facts for kids

Lena Mae McLin (born Johnson; September 5, 1928 – October 4, 2023) was an amazing American music teacher, composer, and author. She was also a pastor. She was well-known for teaching music in the Chicago Public Schools, especially at Kenwood Academy.

Lena McLin's Story

Early Life and Education

Lena Mae Johnson was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 5, 1928. When she was five, she went to live with her uncle, Thomas A. Dorsey. He was a famous gospel musician.

She attended the Pilgrim Baptist Church as a child. There, she learned about gospel music. She also played music for her uncle's choir.

McLin earned a bachelor's degree in music from Spelman College. She focused on piano and violin. Later, she got a graduate degree in music from the American Conservatory of Music.

Her Career in Music

Teaching Music

McLin taught music in Chicago for 36 years. She worked at Hubbard High School, Harlan High School, and Kenwood Academy. Many of her students became famous musicians and actors.

Some of her well-known students include Mandy Patinkin, R. Kelly, Chaka Khan, Da Brat, and Jennifer Hudson. An art critic called her "the woman who launched a thousand careers."

R. Kelly said that McLin encouraged him to choose music over basketball. He called her his "second mother." With her help, he wrote his first song.

McLin retired from teaching high school in the mid-1990s. But she kept giving voice lessons. She also gave lectures at the Peabody Institute. In 1977, she published a book called Pulse: A History Of Music. She also had many choral works published.

Composing and Performing

In the 1950s, McLin started the McLin Ensemble. They performed their first opera in Chicago in 1960.

Lena and her husband, Nathanael, also started the McLin Opera Company. They used their own money to fund it. In 1965, a newspaper called it the "nation's leading small opera company." The company performed on stage, radio, and television.

Her own opera, Oh Freedom, was performed at Carnegie Hall in 1983.

McLin wrote many different kinds of music. This included cantatas (pieces for singers and instruments) and masses (religious musical works). She also wrote rock operas. Her music blended European classical styles with African-American traditions. She composed over 400 pieces. These included Free at Last: A Portrait Of Martin Luther King Jr. and Gwendolyn Brooks: A Musical Portrait.

In 2011, there was a special event to honor her music career. She also received a "living legends" award in 2007.

Her Work as a Pastor

In 1981, Lena McLin felt a calling to God. She started a Bible class in Chicago. In 1982, she became an ordained minister.

Her Bible classes grew into the Holy Vessel Baptist Church. Dr. McLin was the pastor and music minister there. The church helped the community by providing food, clothing, and shelter. They also offered Christian counseling. In 2008, Holy Vessel Church celebrated its 27th anniversary.

Personal Life and Awards

Lena McLin had two children, Nathanael Jr. and Beverley. Their father was her husband, Nathanael McLin.

In 2008, the Illinois House of Representatives honored her on her 80th birthday. They wished her "continued health, happiness, and music in her life."

McLin received honorary degrees from Virginia Union University and Spelman College. In 2003, she won a lifetime achievement award from the Chicago Music Awards.

Later Years and Passing

Lena McLin passed away on October 4, 2023. She was 95 years old.