Early Life and Family Background
Dorothy McGriff was born on January 30, 1928, in Birmingham, Alabama, as one of seven children in a family deeply rooted in the Baptist faith. Her father, Lillar McGriff, was a minister who left the family when Dorothy was six years old, leaving her mother to raise the children alone. To support her family, Dorothy left school after the 10th grade and took various menial jobs, including scrubbing floors and working in laundries and dry cleaners. Despite these hardships, she found solace and purpose in music, beginning to play piano in her local Baptist church at the age of ten.
Musical Career and Notable Achievements
The Original Gospel Harmonettes
In 1947, Dorothy joined the Original Gospel Harmonettes, an all-female gospel group based in Birmingham. The group, led by Evelyn Starks, included notable members such as Mildred Miller, Vera Kolb, and Willie Mae Newberry. They gained national attention after performing on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts television show in 1950. Under Dorothy’s leadership, the group recorded several successful singles, including “I’m Sealed,” “Get Away Jordan,” and “99 and a Half Won’t Do.” Dorothy’s powerful and emotive voice became the hallmark of the group’s sound, contributing to their widespread popularity.
Songwriting and Compositions
Dorothy was not only a talented vocalist but also a prolific songwriter. She composed several gospel classics, including “You Can’t Hurry God (He’s Right on Time),” “That’s Enough,” and “The Hymn.” “The Hymn,” written in 1964, poignantly addressed national tragedies such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, reflecting her deep engagement with the social issues of her time.
Civil Rights Activism Through Music
Beyond her musical contributions, Dorothy was an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement. She worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., participating in voter registration drives and civil rights rallies. Her song “The Righteous on the March” exemplified her commitment to social justice, depicting an army of “soldiers of every faith” and “warriors of every race.” Dorothy’s music often served as a platform to address issues of racial discrimination and segregation.
Later Years and Legacy
After the disbandment of the Original Gospel Harmonettes in 1970, Dorothy formed the Dorothy Love Coates Singers, which included her sister Lillian McGriff. The group continued to perform and record, releasing albums such as “A City Built 4 Square” in 1978. Dorothy also made appearances in films, including “The Long Walk Home” (1989) and “Beloved” (1998), where she showcased her musical talents to broader audiences.
Dorothy Love Coates passed away on April 9, 2002, in Birmingham, Alabama, due to heart disease. Her legacy endures through her powerful music and her unwavering commitment to social justice. She influenced numerous artists, including Mavis Staples and Little Richard, and her songs have been covered by various musicians, attesting to her lasting impact on gospel and popular music.
Personal Life
Dorothy was married twice. Her first marriage was to Willie Love of The Fairfield Four in 1946, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1947. She later married Carl Coates, a member of the Sensational Nightingales, in 1960. This union lasted until his death in 1999. Dorothy had two daughters, Cassandra Madison and Carletta Criss.
Discography Highlights
- “I’m Sealed” (1951) – Specialty Records
- “Get Away Jordan” (1951) – Specialty Records
- “99 and a Half Won’t Do” (1954) – Specialty Records
- “You Must Be Born Again” (1956) – Specialty Records
- “That’s Enough” (1960) – Savoy Records
- “A City Built 4 Square” (1978) – Savoy Records
Cultural Impact and Influence
Dorothy Love Coates’ music transcended the boundaries of gospel, influencing a wide range of artists across genres. Her raw, emotive vocal style and socially conscious lyrics have left an indelible mark on the music industry. She remains a towering figure in the history of gospel music, celebrated for her artistic contributions and her steadfast advocacy for civil rights.
