Who is Doris Akers?

Doris Akers wrote over 500 Gospel songs in her lifetime. Her music stands out in her use of harmony and counterpoint, which not only influenced Black Gospel Music and Southern Gospel Music, but also laid the foundation for jazz, soul and R&B trends. (1) Her music would help bridge the gap between black and white musical cultures, as she drew from both black and white cultures. (2) In 1960 and 1961 she won "Gospel Music Composer of the Year" (3), and was given the nick name of Miss Gospel. (2) In 1992 the Smithsonian Institute called her "the foremost black gospel songwriter in the United States" (3) and in 1995, the Smithsonian Institute called her hymn "Sweet, Sweet Spirit" a National Treasure. (4) In 2001, she was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame, and in 2011 was inducted into the Southern Gospel Hall of Fame. (3)

"You can't compromise on the Bible or the way it teaches. God speaks to us through the Bible and gives us our direction for living. The whole plan of salvation is based on love and faith. It's just that simple. He has a plan for each life and we will know that plan if we pray and then be willing to let Him show us. I have never written a song that God didn't give me, and I hope I never do."

- Doris Akers, from the back of her album "Lord, Give Me a Song."

Cross, Austin. “Gospel Composer Doris Akers Changed The Game For Church Music. And She Did It From LA.” LAist, 24 February 2022, https://laist.com/news/essays/doris-akers-gospel-los-angeles-evoke-la. Accessed 6 July 2024.
Author unknown, “Doris Akers at 100: the Miss Gospel who helped to bridge cultural gaps.” The Music Workshop Company, 15 May 2023, https://music-workshop.co.uk/resources/blog/doris-akers-at-100-the-%E2%80%98miss-gospel%E2%80%99-who-helped-to-bridge-cultural-gaps/. Accessed 6 July 2024.
“CAAM | #blackhistory: On May 21, 1923 gospel music composer, arranger, and singer pioneer Doris Mae Akers was born.” California African American Museum, 21 May 2019, https://caamuseum.org/learn/600state/black-history/blackhistory-on-may-21-1923-gospel-music-composer-arranger-and-singer-pioneer-doris-mae-akers-was-born. Accessed 6 July 2024
“Story behind the song: 'Sweet, Sweet Spirit.'” St. Augustine Record, 6 November 2015, https://www.staugustine.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2015/11/06/story-behind-song-sweet-sweet-spirit/16258940007/. Accessed 6 July 2024.

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