RICHARD M. DALEY
MAYOR
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
November 3, 2010
TO THE HONORABLE. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith a resolution honoring the life and memory of Albertina Walker. Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Very truly yours,
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RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Members of this Chamber were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Grammy-winning recording artist Albertina Walker on October 8, 2010, at age 81; and
WHEREAS, Known as the "Queen of Gospel," Albertina Walker was born August 29, 1929 in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, The youngest of nine children, Albertina Walker grew up in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, At the age of four, Albertina Walker began singing in the Children's Choir of the West Point Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, Inspired by Gospel greats such as Professor Thomas A. Dorsey; Sallie Martin; Kenneth Morris; Rosetta Thorpe; and Albertina's personal friend, Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker became a Gospel singer and performed with the Williams Singers, who toured with Willie Webb and the Robert Anderson Singers; and
WHEREAS, In 1951, at the age of twenty-two, Albertina Walker formed her own group, The Caravans, which would become a national sensation in the world of Gospel music. The original group consisted of Elyse Yancy, Nellie Grace Daniels, and Oralee Hopkins Samson; and
WHEREAS, After a stellar career with The Caravans, Albertina Walker went on to enjoy phenomenal success as a solo artist. She recorded over 60 albums in her career; and
WHEREAS, Gospel lovers the world over are thankful for Albertina Walker and the profound influence she has had on Gospel music. She has also inspired other Gospel performers, including recording artist Kim Miller of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Winner of numerous awards, Albertina Walker received the Citizen Award from the City of Chicago, which honored her by designating 35th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue as Albertina Walker and the Caravans Drive. Albertina Walker also won a Grammy for Best Traditional Gospel Album for "Songs of the Church." She also earned ten Grammy nominations and five Gold Records; and
WHEREAS, Albertina Walker has given generously of her time and energy to many charitable organizations, including the United Negro College Fund; the American Cancer Society; the NAACP; Operation PUSH and the Nation of Islam's "Million Family" March; and
WHEREAS, In 1988, Albertina Walker created a scholarship fund for college students pursuing the study of music and many young men and women have benefitted from her generosity since its inception; and
WHEREAS, Albertina Walker is survived by her three loving nephews: Kharl Walker, Garvey and Gerald and her wonderful goddaughter, Sherrilynda "Tina" Nance; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this third day of November, 2010, do hereby honor the life and memory of Albertina Walker, and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Albertina Walker as a sign of our sympathy and good wishes.