Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

DORSEY, Thomas A.

(b 1 July 1899, Carrol Co. GA; d 23 January 1993, Chicago) Singer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter. His father was a revivalist Baptist minister, mother a church organist; his first composition was 'If I Don't Get There'. He studied music formally before and after moving to Chicago c.1916; began as Barrelhouse Tommy in Atlanta; he worked in Chicago clubs, accompanied Ma Rainey on tour, demonstrated music in shops, arranged for Chicago Music Publishing Company/Vocalion Records, and began recording. Of his pseudonyms the best known was Georgia Tom; he had several record dates '28-32, most famously with the Hokum Boys: Tampa Red (b Hudson Whittaker, c.1900 GA; d 1981) on guitar and Bob Robinson, lead vocal: 'Beedle Um Bum' and 'Sellin' That Stuff' recorded December 1928 did well enough to be covered the next year by McKinney's Cotton Pickers. There were other Hokum Boys and Harum Scarums dates with Jane Lucas, Big Bill Broonzy; then his religious background took over and he became the most important composer and publisher of gospel music.