Albertina Walker, known as the Queen of Gospel Music, died recently at the age of 81.
The gospel music legend, who recorded more than 60 albums in her 60-year career, died on Oct. 8 in her hometown of Chicago.Walker started singing as a 4-year-old in the children’s choir of the West Point Baptist Church. At 22, she began her official career after Mahalia Jackson urged her to. Jackson became Walker’s mentor.
Walker founded the Caravans, which helped launch the careers of Pastor Shirley Caesar, Inez Andrews, Delores Washington, Cassietta George, Evangelist Dorothy Norwood and the Rev. James Cleveland.
Walker became a successful solo artist in 1975. Some of her popular songs are “Please Be Patient With Me”, “Lord Keep Me Day By Day”, “I’m Still Here”, “Lord Remember Me”, and “Walk Around Heaven”.
Walker performed for Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton. She also performed for South African President Nelson Mandela.
She performed frequently at Grambling State.