PROGRAM NOTES; TEXTS & TRANSLATIONS Precious Lord, Take My Hand, Thomas A Dorsey (1899-1993) Thomas Andrew Dorsey was a musician, composer, and Christian evangelist influential in the development of early blues and 20th-century gospel music. Although known for his influence and style in the Blues, Dorsey was very prolific in the styles of Gospel as well. In 1932 Thomas Dorsey founded the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, where he began to write more Gospel pieces. Unfortunately, in the same year Dorsey's wife Nettie died in childbirth, then 24 hours later, their son died as well. During his time of mourning Dorsey focused on writing sacred songs, which inspired him to write “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”. “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” became a very famous piece across the world sung in different languages. The piece was inducted into the Christian Hall of Fame in 2007. Successful artists such as Mahalia Jackson recorded this song, for which she received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award.
PRECIOUS LORD, TAKE MY HAND Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, help me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light: Take my hand, precious Lord, Lead me home. Precious Lord, You’re the One That I build my life on, you’re my rock, You’re my hope, you are my song You picked me up and made me strong When my way, when it was wrong Here’s my hand, precious Lord, Lead me home When my way grows drear, Precious Lord, linger near, When my life is almost gone, Hear my cry, hear my call, Hold my hand lest I fall: Take my hand, precious Lord, Lead me home.