Dorothy Vernell Simmons (1910–1996) was the founder and singer for the Los Angeles–based Gospel act the Simmons-Akers Singers.
Dorothy Vernell Simmons | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1910 Powhatan, Louisiana, United States |
| Died | 1996 (aged 85–86) |
| Genres | Gospel |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
Biography edit
Simmons was born in Powhatan, Louisiana, in 1910.[1] Her family moved to Chicago when Simmons was seven year old. After she graduated from high school she went to work for the Martin and Morris Music Company. In 1940 Simmons became a member of the Sallie Martin Singers. She moved to Los Angeles in 1947.[2]
In 1948, she and Doris Akers (1923–1995) formed the Simmons-Akers Singers. Their music played a part in the expanding Los Angeles gospel movement and emphasized melody and a smooth sound.[3] Simmons sang soprano and Akers sang mezzo-soprano-alto.[2]
Simmons died in 1996.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b DjeDje, Jacqueline Cogdell; Meadows, Eddie S. (1998). California Soul: Music of African Americans in the West. University of California Press. p. 166. ISBN 978-0-520-20628-1.
Dorothy Simmons singer.
- ^ a b Boyer, Horace Clarence (2000). The Golden Age of Gospel. University of Illinois Press. p. 209. ISBN 978-0-252-06877-5.
- ^ McNeil, W. K. (2005). Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music. 234: Psychology Press. ISBN 978-0-415-94179-2.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
External links edit
- Meet Me in the Glory Land audio file of the Simmons-Akers Singers