"I Am Always Remembering..."

Here Thomas A. Dorsey, widely regarded as the "Father of Gospel Music" performs his most famous composition, "Take My Hand, Precious Lord."

" 'Precious Lord' is probably second only to 'Amazing Grace' when we look at a spiritual/religious text that has international popularity and reaches across racial and cultural borders," said Deborah Smith Pollard, a gospel music scholar and professor of literature and humanities at U-M Dearborn.

"Precious Lord" has been published in more than 40 languages. It has been sung by singers as diverse as Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Little Richard, Merle Haggard, Engelbert Humperdinck and Elvis Presley. Mahalia Jackson sang it at the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Opera soprano Leontyne Price sang "Precious Lord" at the funeral of President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Mr. Dorsey's legacy is being celebrated today in Detroit on this, the 80th anniversary of his publishing this song. As I read this article, I was reminded of the many times my mother and I watched the documentary from which this video is excerpted.  My mother was a person of great faith, as am I, and this song has always reminded me of God's promise - that we are never alone...

"Precious Lord"

Lyrics by Thomas A. Dorsey

Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, let me stand

I am tired, I am weak, I am worn

Through the storm, through the night

Lead me on to the light

Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear, precious Lord, linger near

When my light is almost gone

Hear my cry, hear my call

Hold my hand lest I fall

Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home

When the darkness appears and the night draws near

And the day is past and gone

At the river I stand, guide my feet, hold my hand

Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home

Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, let me stand

I'm tired, I am weak, I am worn

Through the storm, through the night

Lead me on to the light

Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home

"Fear Eats the Soul"