Georgia General Assembly · Full text

SR 979: Norwood, Dorothy; recognize

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Senate Resolution 979

By: Senators Halpern of the 39th, Kemp of the 38th, Wicks of the 34th, Davenport of the 17th and Anderson of the 43rd

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Dorothy Norwood; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, born in Atlanta, Georgia, Dorothy Norwood is a legendary American gospel singer, songwriter, and storyteller widely revered as "The World's Greatest Gospel Storyteller" whose career has spanned more than six decades of transformative musical and spiritual influence; and

WHEREAS, in the early 1960s, Dorothy Norwood joined the renowned gospel group The Caravans, performing alongside iconic artists such as Albertina Walker and Shirley Caesar, helping to shape the sound and direction of modern gospel music; and

WHEREAS, in 1964, she launched a successful solo career with the release of her debut album Johnny and Jesus, establishing her distinctive storytelling style that blends music with sermon-like narratives that speak to faith, struggle, and redemption; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy Norwood is celebrated for timeless works including "Johnny and Jesus," "The Denied Mother," "The Old Lady's House," and "There's a Stranger in Town," songs that are widely regarded as gospel classics for their emotional depth and moral clarity; and

WHEREAS, her 1991 album Live with The Northern California G.M.W.A. Mass Choir reached No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Chart, marking a major milestone in her already distinguished career; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy Norwood has received multiple Grammy nominations and Stellar Awards, recognizing her excellence, longevity, and enduring influence within the gospel music industry; and

WHEREAS, well into her 80s, Dorothy Norwood continues to record and perform, earning admiration for her powerful vocals, often described as "church-wrecking," and for her unwavering commitment to ministry through music; and

WHEREAS, her legacy stands as a testament to the cultural, spiritual, and artistic contributions of Black gospel music and its deep roots in the State of Georgia and across the nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize and commend Dorothy Norwood for her extraordinary career, her lasting contributions to gospel music, and her role in preserving and advancing a vital tradition of African American cultural expression.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Dorothy Norwood.