One for the Road: Remembering Albertina Walker

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 11, 2010 10:00PM

Our Town lost one of its musical giants over the weekend with the passing of Gospel music great Albertina Walker at the age of 81. Ms. Walker's career started in the early 50's as a backup singer for Mahalia Jackson, who, recognizing Ms. Walker's talent, encouraged her to carve her own path in Gospel music. Ms. Walker formed a group called the Caravans, whose roster over the decades was a veritable all-star lineup of Gospel legends. Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Bessie Griffin and the Reverend Dr. James Cleveland (recognized as the architect of the modern Gospel sound) were all members of the Caravans at one point in their careers, earning Ms. Walker the nickname "Star Maker."

Following Mahalia Jackson's passing in 1972, Ms. Walker inherited the title of "Queen of Gospel." Seems fitting that we should pay tribute to her legacy with a video featuring Ms. Walker with the Reverend Dr. Cleveland from that year, taken from "The Brothers and Sisters Live In Concert."