I Do, Don't You

Album: Through Many Dangers (1890)

Songfacts®:

  • This hymn - apparently with no question mark in its title - was responsible, indirectly, for the birth of a genre. Written by the white American composer, Baptist and choirmaster Edwin O. Excell, it was performed at the National Baptists Convention in 1921 (the year of Excell's death) by the Reverend A.W. Nix. Present at this meeting was jobbing musician Thomas A. Dorsey, and after hearing this he spent the rest of his life writing religious music, and founded the gospel genre as it is understood today.
  • "I Do, Don't You" has been recorded fairly widely, including by Mahalia Jackson, who also recorded what is recognised universally as Dorsey's greatest song, "Take My Hand, Precious Lord." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Adele

AdeleFact or Fiction

Despite her reticent personality, Adele's life and music are filled with intrigue. See if you can spot the true tales.

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."

Peter Lord

Peter LordSongwriter Interviews

You may not recognize his name, but you will certainly recognize Peter Lord's songs. He wrote the bevy of hits from Paula Abdul's second album, Spellbound.

Yacht Rock Quiz

Yacht Rock QuizFact or Fiction

Christopher Cross with Deep Purple? Kenny Loggins in Caddyshack? A Fact or Fiction all about yacht rock and those who made it.