Monday, May 5, 2008

Doris Akers

On my CD, I recorded a couple songs written by Doris Akers who I believe wrote under the inspiration of God which came through much prayer. She was born in 1923, one of ten children, began playing the piano by ear at age six, wrote her first song at 10, and at 12 years of age had organized a five piece band. In 1958 this African-American lady started a racially mixed gospel group, The Sky Pilot Choir. During that year, she also co-wrote "Lord, Don't Move That Mountain," with Mahalia Jackson. One Sunday morning in 1962, while directing the Sky Pilot Choir, she said to her singers, “You are not ready to go in.” She didn’t believe they had prayed enough! They were accustomed to spending time with her in prayer before the service, asking God to bless their songs. She said, “I feel that prayer is more important than great voices.” They had already prayed, but this particular morning she asked them to pray again, and they did so with renewed fervor. As they prayed, Doris began to wonder how she could stop this wonderful prayer meeting. You can read more here: www.cbn.com/spirituallife/devotions/terry_sweet_spirit.aspx While researching Doris Akers, I came upon this video of Tim Spell singing one of her songs. (If anyone ever comes across a video of Doris Akers, please forward it to me.)

10 comments:

  1. Jana, I love Doris Akers music and songs! I would love to see some video about her, but I wouldn't think they had "video" back then. Maybe some "film" of some kind, but probably not what we call "video". LOL! Maybe someone has taken some "old stuff" and put it on DVD. That would be great if they did. Please share it with all of us if you happen to run across something.

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  2. Linda - I was hoping someone would have transferred some old film and put something on youtube but when you search for Doris Akers it will only bring up Tim Spell singing. It has been difficult finding much about her. I do love many of her songs.

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  3. I loved hearing Doris Akers! Wow. . .that brings back some memories! I would love to see a video of her singing.

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  4. Debbie - I have already picked out another Doris Akers song for my next recording. I, too, would love to see any footage of her.

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  5. Shirley - he is definitely one-of-a-kind. I like his preaching even better than his singing.

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  6. Many people down through the years have been blessed by Doris Akers songs! Love this post!

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  7. Kevin - It's good to hear from you. I was hoping life hadn't got so busy you gave up blogging. :)

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  8. hey guys, i just uploaded some Doris Akers videos...


    just go to my youtube page:
    www.youtube.com/karma342

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  9. Linda - thanks for the link. I have already been watching some of those as I type. I did two of Doris Akers song on my project. "How Big Is God?" and "I Asked The Lord." It was great fun producing them.

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