Gallery

  • The Honorable Harold Washington, Mayor of Chicago (1983-1987)

    In 1983 Harold Washington was elected the first Black Mayor of Chicago - In 1985 Sasha introduced the idea to Mayor Washington of the city honoring the father of gospel music, Professor Thomas A, Dorsey with a festival in his name. The Mayor agreed. The Thomas A. Dorsey Gospel Festival was born.

    Thomas A Dorsey and Mayor Washington

  • 125-Member Dorsey Gospel Choir -1985

    A 125 voice choir Dorsey gospel Choir was formed. The choir marched to the Country Club singing Dorsey Songs.This is the firs time South Shore Drive – a main thoroughfare - was closed for a choir to march .

  • 1986 Dorsey Gospel Festival - 40,000 Attended South Shore Country Club

    Due to the growing number of attendees, city requirements made it mandatory to move the festival to Grant Park. It was renamed 'The Chicago Gospel Music Festival'.

  • Clifton Davis sings in the rainstorm at the 3rd Chicago Festival held in Grant Park -1987

    60,000 stayed in the rainstorm.

  • 1988 Chicago Gospel Festival - Grant Park

    “A little show comes to town…that draws tens of thousands of people and is the largest one of its kind in the world” - Flynn Roberts, Chicago Tribune- 1988

  • 1989 Chicago Gospel Festival - Grant Park

    100,000 attended
1st Dorsey Gospel Festival, June 14, 1985 and held at the South Shore Country Club
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