The hymn "Precious Lord, take my hand" was written by Thomas Andrew Dorsey (1919-1993) in 1932, a week after the death of his wife in childbirth (the son died soon after).

Born in Atlanta, GA, he spent most of his life in Chicago, IL. He studied and played jazz and blues and became known as the father of African American gospel music. He led the gospel choir at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Chicago for 60 years.