Father of Gospel Music

Tindley became known as one of the most important founders of Black Gospel music, composing melodies of 42 of his 46 hymns.

In 1901 he was the first black to publish an original collection. In 1905 he copyrighted and published a second group of his gospel hymns. Songs of Praise is a book of hymns that he published.



The C.A. Tindley Chorus singing songs by Tindley became nationally known as Tindley Gospel singers and were characterized by Tommy Dorsey as pioneers of gospel music. Tindley was an inspiration for Dorsey.

Many of Tindley’s children were musically inclined. His son Fred played multiple instruments, organized a church school orchestra and helped arrange Tindley’s music. Tindley’s daughter Emmaline was a talented vocalist, singing at one time with Marion Anderson and always willing to sing Tindley’s hymns in his church services. His son Elbert was a gifted tenor and prime soloist of the C.A. Gospel Chorus.

In 1916 Tindley with two sons and three associates formed Paradise Publishing Company to publish his songs.

Tindley’s songs were based on his every day, personal experiences and became part of his sermons. They are still relevant to people dealing with similar problems and situations today.