Dorothy Love Coates

Dorothy Love Coates, a dedicated American gospel singer, composer, and songwriter, was born Dorothy McGriff on January 30, 1928, in Birmingham, Alabama. She began playing piano in her Baptist church at age ten. Dorothy rose to prominence in the 1950s as a member of The Original Gospel Harmonettes, and she was a notable composer who wrote many of the songs the group performed.

Her recorded catalog included songs such as “You Can’t Hurry God (He’s Right On Time),” “99 and a Half Won’t Do,” “That’s Enough,” “No Hiding Place,” “Get Away Jordan,” “You Must Be Born Again,” “I’m Sealed,” and “Lord, Don’t Forget About Me.” Throughout her career, she resisted offers to transition into secular or pop music, choosing to remain in gospel music. She was also active in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s, including marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

After The Original Gospel Harmonettes disbanded in the early 1970s, Dorothy continued to record and tour with her own group, the Dorothy Love Coates Singers. She remained committed to gospel music for the rest of her life. Dorothy Love Coates died on April 9, 2002, in Birmingham, Alabama.