e Tom, Texas Tommy, and, most commonly, Georgia Tom--started out playing theaters, clubs, and rent parties (parties held to raise rent money). By 1930, however, Georgia Tom Dorsey had become a success as a bluesman--composing, performing, and recording the blues with many talented musicians, including Ma Rainey and Tampa Red.Georgia Tom Dorsey worked with many of the significant early blues performers of Chicago. "Ma" and her husband "Pa" Rainey played across the country in the early days of the blues. Dorsey saw her sing at the 81 Theater as early as 1912, when he was just 13. A decade later, Dorsey, living and working in Chicago, was asked to put a new band together for her. Ma Rainey and her Wild Cats Jazz Band opened at Chicago's Grand Theater to a full house.Thomas Andrew Dorsey met Nettie Harper at Dorsey's uncle's rooming house, where Nettie and Thomas each boarded for a time. On August 1, 1925, they were married in Chicago and on August 2 they left to travel with Ma Rainey and her band. Ma hired Nettie to be her wardrobe mistress. Nettie and Thomas were on the road together and Thomas was arranging and playing for one of the biggest stars in his profession. Dorsey said, "[I]t was a joy, just like a big long honeymoon."In late summer 1932, Dorsey went to a meeting in St. Louis for a few days. Nettie was pregnant, and Dorsey felt sure that on his return he would see his wife and newborn child safe and healthy at home. While he was gone, Dorsey received word that Nettie had died during childbirth. Dorsey's newborn son died the next day. Dorsey wrote "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" in the days after this affliction. The power of this plea for guidance and comfort arising from Dorsey's grief has been an inspiration to people around the world.By 1932, Dorsey's had already put together the first-ever gospel choir with Theodore Roosevelt Frye at Ebenezer Baptist Church and now he directed the choir at Pilgrim Baptist Church. In 1933, the ...
