Sallie Martin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sallie Martin
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The Mother of Gospel
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| Born | November 20, 1895 Pittfield, Georgia, U.S.
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| Died | June 18, 1988 (aged 92) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Known for | The Sallie Martin Singers |
| Spouse(s) | Wallace Martin |
Sallie Martin (born November 20, 1895 – died June 18, 1988) was an American gospel singer. Many people called her the "Mother of Gospel." She helped make the songs of Thomas A. Dorsey very popular. She also inspired many other singers.
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Early Life and Career
Sallie Martin was born in Pittfield, Georgia, on November 20, 1895. She grew up in the Baptist church. As a young woman, she joined the Pentecostal movement.
In 1927, Sallie moved to Chicago. There, she started singing in Holiness churches. Her singing style was very strong and full of energy.
Working with Thomas A. Dorsey
Sallie Martin wanted to work with Thomas A. Dorsey. He was a famous gospel composer. At first, Dorsey was not sure about hiring her. He thought her singing style was too loud. Also, she could not read music.
But Sallie did not give up! She auditioned three times. Finally, she convinced Dorsey to hire her. She joined a group he had formed. Their job was to introduce his new songs to churches.
Sallie was very good at organizing things. She had a smart way of handling money. She helped Dorsey by:
- Selling his songs
- Managing his money
- Finding new ways to share his music
- Helping to start the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, Inc. (NCGCC)
The Sallie Martin Singers
Sallie Martin became a successful singer on her own. In 1940, she started her own group called the Sallie Martin Singers.
Her daughter, Cora Martin-Moore, sang in the group. So did Dinah Washington, who was known as Ruth Jones back then. Brother Joe May was also a featured singer.
Sallie also started her own music publishing company. It was called Martin and Morris Music, Inc. She started it with Kenneth Morris. He was a gospel music publisher and composer. They published many well-known gospel songs. One famous song they published was Just a Closer Walk With Thee in 1940.
Later Years and Legacy
In the mid-1950s, Sallie Martin stopped touring with her group. Traveling had become too hard for her. But the Sallie Martin Singers continued to perform for many more years.
Sallie stayed active in the NCGCC. She also supported Martin Luther King Jr. and health programs in Nigeria. She always believed strongly in gospel music. She also defended her important role in bringing it to churches. You can see this in the 1982 movie Say Amen, Somebody.
Sallie Martin passed away on June 18, 1988, in Chicago, Illinois. In 1991, she was honored for her work. She was added to the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
