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29 Oct 09 - 10:49 AM (#2754806) Subject: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: GUEST She left her mark on both the Black Urban Gospel and White Southern Gospel and I don't think I've seen anything about her on here. The only extensive bio on her is from wiki but you can find more on her in google books... Doris Mae Akers, the brilliant African-American composer, was born in Brookfield, Missouri on May 21, 1923, to Floyd and Pearl Akers. She had nine siblings; Edward, Floyd, Evelyn, Marian, Donald, Nellie, Bernice, Harley, and Charles. She was born into a very musical family; her father had a beautiful singing voice, her mother was a self-taught musician, and most of her siblings, too, were blessed with musical talent. The family moved to Kirksville, Missouri when she was five years old. Her stepfather John taught her to play 3 chords on the piano when she was about 8 years old. From then on, she could play virtually any song she wanted. Within 2 years, her teacher had passed on all piano-playing duties over to her. Her brother Donald played trumpet and she was quite fascinated by it. Picking it up, she tried to play it, but it didn't come as easy to her as the piano had. Later that night, as she slept, she dreamed she could play Bud Greene's "Once In A While", somehow playing the song with no difficulties. When she awoke, she picked up the trumpet and played the song straight through! During the 1930s she formed a group with her siblings, Edward, Marian and Donald, who went by the name of "Dot and The Swingsters". They played the music of the 30s and 40s. "Doe"-as she was affectionately known by family and close friends-wrote her first song at the age of 10 called, "Keep The Fire Burning In Me"-the first of over 500 songs she would go on to write in her lifetime. In her teens, she dedicated her life and talents exclusively to the service of the Lord. She attended Lincoln High. In 1945, at the age of 22, Doris moved to Los Angeles, where she encountered a thriving Gospel music scene. She would sometimes sing and play piano for the Sallie Martin Singers, and began her own group, the "Doris Akers Singers". In 1947, Doris published her first song with Martin & Morris, entitled "I Want A Double Portion Of God's Love". The following year, she teamed up with Dorothy Simmons and Hattie Hawkins-who at that time were both in the Sallie Martin Singers-and formed the Simmons-Akers Trio. With Doris' phenomenal compositions and piano skills, and Dorothy Simmons' mesmerizing soprano voice, they became nationally known, and traveled the country performing at many churches and venues. They also released many recordings on several labels: Score, Superb, Super, Songs of the Cross, Imperial Records, and RCA Victor; they even had a session with Art Rupe's label Specialty Records in February, 1951, in which they recorded several songs, "Canaan's Shore", "Tell Jesus All", and "Glory To His Name"(these were released on CD by Specialty in 1994). There was also another track, which was never released, "In The Name of Jesus", a song written by Mary Johnson Davis. Doris and Dorothy also launched their own music publishing company, "Simmons and Akers Music House", to distribute the many songs Doris had composed by this time. Among those that were published by "Simmons and Akers" were, "It Means A Lot to Know Jesus for Yourself", "He's Everywhere", "God Spoke to Me One Day", "I Never Knew Joy Before", "Jesus is The Name", "He's Alright with Me", "He Delivered Me", and "Lead Me, Guide Me". In the mid-fifties, Doris began an association with Manna Music, founded by Tim Spencer of the Sons of the Pioneers. While planning a big musical at Wrigley Field, she learned that Tim Spencer (who was head of religious records at RCA at that time) would be recording that day. She went to the studio to invite him. He agreed, and while at the musical he heard Doris' choir singing, "God Is So Good To Me". He called her the next day to ask who had written that song; Doris related that it was hers and that she had published it with her Simmons-Akers Music House years back. Tim requested her to come to his house and bring all her music. By the time she was finished singing every one of her songs, Tim said, "I haven't heard one song I don't like-how would you like to record?" Not having much confidence in her vocal abilities, she replied, "But I don't sing." Nevertheless, just a couple days later Tim called and told her, "We are flying to New York on Tuesday and you are recording for RCA!" All of her songs from then on were published by Mr. Spencer's company. Much of her early music also, was reissued by Manna. Early career In early 1957, Doris recorded her first solo album called, "Sing Praises Unto The Lord" (RCA Victor 1481). The album featured many of her early compositions such as, "I Found Something", "Lead On (Lord Jesus)", and "Jesus Is The Name". She was backed by her group the Simmons Akers Gospel Singers; this was also the last recording the group made together. Dorothy Simmons continued to do solo work in Gospel music, often as a choir director, and eventually relocated to Colorado. She died in 1996, at the age of 86. "Miss Gospel Music" In 1958, Doris, along with her friend Mahalia Jackson, co-wrote the song, "Lord, Don't Move the Mountain", which sold over a million records. That same year, Doris' prominence grew tremendously when she founded and became director of the Sky Pilot Choir, becoming one of the first artists to help bridge the barrier between black and white Gospel. The Sky Pilot Choir was extremely popular, and people would travel long distances just to hear them perform. They were also featured on many recordings, television shows, and radio broadcasts across the country. They released three albums with Doris, "The Sky Pilot Choir", "The Sky Pilot Choir Vol. 2" (with the Sutton Sisters), and "Doris Akers Sings with The Sky Pilot Choir". She ended her collaboration with the Sky Pilot Choir in 1965, but they reunited again in 1974 to record their fourth effort, "Doris Akers and the Original Members of the Sky Pilot Choir". Doris continued recording for RCA Victor into the mid-sixties, cutting such albums as "Forever Faithful" (1963), a collaboration with The Statesmen Quartet entitled, "Sing for You" in 1964, and "Highway to Heaven". As well as consistently releasing records on a variety of labels, she also traveled all across the country "conducting choir conferences and workshops, sharing her technical knowledge and organizing ability". After having lived in Los Angeles since the mid-forties, she moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1970. She continued recording, composing and traveling. Her final album, "The Artistry of Doris Akers", was released in 1979. Legacy and Honors She received many awards including back-to-back "Gospel Music Composer of the Year" in both 1960 and 1961. Doris Akers Day was held in Kirksville, MO in 1976, approximately 20,000 attended the evening concert. In 1992, she was honored by the Smithsonian Institution as "the foremost black gospel songwriter in the United States." She was posthumously inducted to the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2001. Her songs appear in the hymnals of many denominations and have been sung by countless people in churches around the world; standards such as, "Sweet, Sweet Spirit", "Lead Me, Guide Me", "You Can't Beat God Giving", "Grow Closer","I Cannot Fail The Lord", "He Delivered Me", "God Is So Good" and "My Expectation". Her compositions have been recorded by many Gospel and secular artists, including Mahalia Jackson, The Statesmen, The Caravans, Willie Mae Ford Smith, Clara Ward, Sallie Martin Singers, Brother Joe May, Bill Gaither, Ernie Haase, George Beverly Shea, Elvis Presley, Conway Twitty and many others. |
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29 Oct 09 - 11:03 AM (#2754819) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: TinDor If possible, Im wondering if anyone can list her compositions with the lyrics to go along. Here are some of her works from youtube Mahalia Jackson - God Spoke To Me One Day Elvis Gospel - Lead Me, Guide Me "Lord Don't Move The Mountain"- Mahalia Jackson w/ choir "Doris Akers Sings Sweet, Sweet Spirit |
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29 Oct 09 - 10:38 PM (#2755399) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: TinDor ^^Up |
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08 Jan 10 - 06:18 AM (#2806419) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: GUEST Anyone, I urgently need the complete lyrics for sweet holy spirit. Thanks. |
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08 Jan 10 - 01:43 PM (#2806777) Subject: Lyr. Add: Sweet, Sweet Spirit (Akers) From: Q (Frank Staplin) Lyr. Add: Sweet, Sweet Spirit Doris Akers, 1962 There's a sweet spirit in this place And I know that it's the spirit of the Lord. There are sweet expressions on each face And I know that it's the presence of the Lord. Sweet Holy Spirit Sweet heavenly dove Stay right with us Filling us with your love And for these blessings We lift our hearts in praise (hearts in praise) Without a doubt we'll know that we have been revived When we shall leave this place http://www.acadisc.com/sweetsweet.htm#sweet Sweet deliverance Ministeries ACA Disc # 49; Sweet deliverance. |
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25 Oct 10 - 10:11 AM (#3014939) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: GUEST,katcan There's one more line to Sweet, Sweet, Spirit LAST VERSE IS: There are blessings you cannot receive till you know Him in His fullness and then believe You're the one who'll profit when you say I'm going to follow Jesus and then obey |
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25 Oct 10 - 10:42 AM (#3014972) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: wysiwyg A search on ~S~ |
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25 Oct 10 - 01:15 PM (#3015106) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: GUEST You can also add Dottie Rambo to the list of singers who recorded Doris Akers' songs (There's a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in This Place). Even though the late Dottie Rambo is recognized by many as the most prolific songwriter of our era, she recognized the value of others' compositions and recorded many other artists' songs such as Doris Akers, Andrae Crouch, Bill Gaither, Phil Johnson, Elmer Cole, Walt Mills, B. A. Mercer and others. --Jerry in Michigan |
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04 Nov 10 - 06:40 AM (#3023225) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: GUEST,Ningrn1 There is a whole list of Doris Akers songs on You Tube. They are mainly listed under Karma343. Sweet Sweet Spirit is there along with Sweet Jesus and others. |
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14 Jan 11 - 03:16 PM (#3074653) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: GUEST,missions2000 I heard this lady one day on the radio and searched and searched to find the song I heard again called Sweet Jesus. Finally a Pastor Jerry Skelton in Dallas told me more about her. Since then I have loved every song I hear her sing. She was so gifted, anointed and everything about her is just beautiful. Wish I could have met her. |
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27 Jan 11 - 09:52 PM (#3083760) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: GUEST I was wondering if Doris Akers had a CD of her gospel songs and I would like to have a copy of them if possible.If so please send to the following address: Harvey Evison Box 37 Dewberry,AB. TOB-1GO Canada May the Lord bless each one who loved the songs that Doris Akers wrote and sang. May God Bless B I C Harvey Evison |
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26 Jul 12 - 05:04 PM (#3381909) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: GUEST i'M INTERESTED IN GOSPEL SONGS WRITTEN BY DORIS AKERS AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE TO PURCHASE THE SONG BOOK AND THE MUSIC. PLEASE CALL 402.452.9716 OR E MAIL ME AT : dana.hamilton 98@yahoo.com god bless! |
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30 Oct 12 - 07:03 PM (#3428587) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: GUEST,s. toolsie !? Please. Give. Info. On where to purchase. CDs. Thank. You. |
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08 Mar 13 - 05:37 AM (#3487910) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: GUEST,pianoman The last verse is actually: "There are blessing that on earth you can't receive til you know him in his fullness and believe. You're the one to profit when you say I am going to walk with Jesus all the way." |
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08 Mar 13 - 01:41 PM (#3488119) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: open mike Do you suppose this song, which has become popular as a bluegrass and country gospel song is based on her song about (not)moving a mountain? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90ub9mT1j20 Trisha Yearwood (country) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP1_i0EPnHE Nickle Creek (bluegrass) |
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08 Mar 13 - 01:49 PM (#3488123) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: open mike I see Doris Akers mentioned as the source for this song here sung by Inez Andrews (who passed away dec. 2012) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUJKGl1qGPg |
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08 Dec 19 - 10:15 AM (#4022808) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: GUEST,B. Ellis I am from Kirksville, Adair County, Missouri, where Doris Akers grew up. I am the President of the Historical Society of Adair County. In the article above on Doris Akers, it states she went to "Lincoln High" in Kirksville. This is incorrect as there was no blacl high school in Kirksville, Missouri, during the time Doris Akers was growing up. This was the time of segregation and Lincoln School was a separate public school for blacks and only went to the 8th grade. After that, children who wanted to attend High School had to go to Macon, Missouri, 30 miles south of Kirksville. There is no record that Doris Akers ever went on to high school. It was 1954 when the schools were intregrated and Lincoln School in Kirksville was closed. Doris was long gone by then. The Lincoln School building still stands in Kirksville. |
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01 Jun 20 - 06:17 PM (#4056563) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: GUEST,Chris Hello,I heard a song on Christian radio by Doris Akers. The lyrics I believe were " I stopped dying and started living when Christ came into my life." I cannot find the song anywhere on the web. I need some help please. |
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02 Jun 20 - 10:31 AM (#4056687) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: cnd Chris, the song you are looking for is "I Stopped Dying and Started Living" by Doris Akers You can hear the song at this link, about 23 minutes in: https://bottradionetwork.com/ministry/the-complete-story/ |
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02 Jun 20 - 10:33 AM (#4056688) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: cnd While searching for Chris's song, I found this, which I'll copy & past here for searching ease. From http://mannamusicinc.com/composer-list.html A Servant For Thee All You Need Are You Ready To Sing Ask What You Will Bread That's Cast Upon The Water Can I Have This Happiness Climbin' Jacob's Ladder Deeper In The Lord (I Want To Go) Don't Stop Using Me Don't You Just Love The Lord God Is So Good God Spoke To Me One Day God Will If You Will Golden Dreams Grow Closer He Delivered Me He Knows And He Cares He's A Light Unto My Pathway He's Alright With Me He's Everywhere Holy Spirit, Thanks For The Rain aka Thanks For The Rain Honey In That Rock How Big Is God I Cannot Fail The Lord I Didn't Know Him, But He Knew About Me I Felt The Spirit I Just Got Religion I Know The Story I Never Knew Joy Before I Stopped Dying And Started Living I Sure Do Love The Lord I Was There When The Spirit Came I Won't Move Unless He Tells Me I'm Glad To Know There's A Heaven I'm Not Satisfied Yet I've Found Something I've Got To Love You If I Didn't Know If I Had Ten Thousand Tongues Is There Any Peace Anywhere It Is Jesus It Means A Lot To Know Jesus For Yourself It Rained It's Just A Test It's Real, It's Real, It's Real Jesus Is Born Today Jesus Is The Lamb Jesus Is The Name Lead On (Lord Jesus) Life Eternal Look At The Cross Again Look To The Hills Lord Is My Light, The Lord, Don't Move That Mountain (Mahalia Jackson) Lord, Keep My Mind On Thee Mathew 7:7-8 Meet Me In Heaven Mine Just For The Asking My Expectations My Heart Is Filled With Jesus' Love My Song Of Assurance aka Trusting No One But The Lord Nothing Too Good (For The Lord) Prayer Is The Answer Smile On His Face Never Fades, The Sweet Jesus Sweet Peace Sweet, Sweet Spirit Take The Name Of Jesus Ten Thousand Tongues Thanks For The Rain aka Holy Spirit Thanks For The Rain That's The Lord, That's His Way There Is Nothing Too Good For The Lord These Times Must Come To Be Used Of God (arrangement only) To Me It's Wonderful Trouble Trusting aka My Song Of Assurance Walk In The Sunshine Wanna Go To Heaven You Can't Beat God Giving |
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02 Jun 20 - 10:34 AM (#4056689) Subject: RE: Gospel songs written by Doris Akers From: cnd This is a more stable link to the podcast: https://bottradionetwork.com/ministry/the-complete-story/2020-05-28-ravi-zacharias/ The other one will update to a new song next time they release an episode, but this link *should* stay on the right song. |