Wayne Township in Richmond in Wayne County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Georgia Tom

— Starr-Gennett Walk of Fame —

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 29, 2023

1. Georgia Tom Marker

Inscription. Thomas A. Dorsey recorded blues for the Gennett label from 1928 to 1930, using the name Georgia Tom. After 1932 he was most famous for writing and performing gospel music.

Donated by First Bank Richmond

Erected by The Starr-Gennett Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.

Location. 39° 49.424′ N, 84° 53.973′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Indiana, in Wayne County. It is in Wayne Township. Marker can be reached from South 1st Street, 0.3 miles south of South A Street (U.S. 40). Marker is on Starr-Gennett Walk of Fame. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 131 S 1st St, Richmond IN 47374, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wendell Hall (here, next to this marker); Guy Lombardo (a few steps from this marker); King Oliver (a few steps from this marker); Coleman Hawkins (within shouting distance of this marker); Louis Armstrong (within shouting distance of this marker); Gennett Records (within shouting distance of this marker); Bradley Kincaid (within shouting distance of this marker); Blind Lemon Jefferson (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

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Thomas A. Dorsey. Having already written several major gospel hit songs, he teamed up with guitarist Hudson Whittaker in 1928 and as “Georgia Tom” and “Tampa Red,” the pair co-wrote and recorded “It’s Tight Like That,” which ultimately sold seven million recordings, a record for the blues era, and inspiring a whole new style which came to be known as “Hokum Blues.” (Songwriters Hall of Fame) (Submitted on May 4, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 29, 2023

2. Georgia Tom Marker

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 29, 2023

3. Georgia Tom Marker

Thomas "Georgia Tom" Andrew Dorsey (1899-1993) image. Click for full size.

Unknown via Carnegie Hall (Public Domain), circa 1927

4. Thomas "Georgia Tom" Andrew Dorsey (1899-1993)

He straddled the fence between Chicago blues and gospel early in his career, but switched to gospel full-time after his wife Nettie died during childbirth in 1932. The newborn died the next day.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 37 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 3, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 4. submitted on May 4, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.