Early Life and Family Background
Full Name: Dorothy Lee McGriff Love Coates
Date of Birth: January 30, 1928
Place of Birth: Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Date of Death: April 9, 2002
Place of Death: Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Dorothy Love Coates was born into a family deeply rooted in the Christian faith. Her father, a minister, left the family when she was six, leading her to quit school to support her mother and siblings. By age ten, she was playing piano for her church, marking the beginning of her lifelong commitment to gospel music.
She later joined her siblings in the McGriff Singers, a gospel group that had a weekly live radio broadcast on WJLD.
Musical Career and Achievements
The Original Gospel Harmonettes
In the early 1940s, Coates joined the Harmoneers, a gospel group led by Evelyn Starks. The group was later renamed the Original Gospel Harmonettes. Coates’s powerful and emotive voice became the driving force behind the group’s success. Their recordings, such as “I’m Sealed” and “Get Away Jordan,” became gospel classics. The group performed at renowned venues like New York’s Apollo Theater and Carnegie Hall. Coates’s stage presence was so compelling that fellow artists, including James Brown, drew inspiration from her performances.
Songwriting and Civil Rights Activism
Coates was also a prolific songwriter, penning hits like “You Can’t Hurry God (He’s Right on Time),” “99 and a Half Won’t Do,” and “That’s Enough.” Her music often addressed social issues, reflecting her active involvement in the civil rights movement. She worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., participating in marches and rallies, and was arrested multiple times for her activism. In 1964, she wrote “The Hymn,” a poignant response to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Later Years and Legacy
After the Harmonettes disbanded in 1971, Coates formed the Dorothy Love Coates Singers, which included her sister Lillian. The group recorded albums for Savoy Records and toured Europe. Coates also appeared in films such as The Long Walk Home (1990) and Beloved (1998), showcasing her musical talents in cinematic settings. Her influence extended to artists like Cissy Houston and Mavis Staples, who cited her as an inspiration.
Personal Life
Coates was married twice. Her first marriage was to Willie Love of the Fairfield Four in 1946, but they divorced shortly thereafter. In 1959, she married Carl Coates, a member of the Sensational Nightingales, and they remained together until he died in 1999. She had two daughters, Cassandra Madison and Carletta Criss.
Discography Highlights
- “I’m Sealed”
- “Get Away Jordan”
- “You Must Be Born Again”
- “No Hiding Place”
- “That’s Enough”
- “99 and a Half Won’t Do”
Awards and Recognition
While specific awards were not detailed in the available sources, Coates’s impact on gospel music is evident through her enduring influence and the continued popularity of her songs. Her work has been celebrated in various retrospectives and tributes, underscoring her significant contribution to the genre.
Final Years and Death
Dorothy Love Coates passed away on April 9, 2002, in Birmingham, Alabama, due to heart disease. She is buried at New Grace Hill Cemetery in Birmingham.
Cultural Impact
Dorothy Love Coates’s legacy endures through her powerful music and her unwavering commitment to social justice. Her songs continue to inspire and resonate with audiences, reflecting her deep faith and dedication to her community. Her influence is felt across generations of gospel artists and listeners, solidifying her place as a cornerstone of American gospel music.
