Dorothy Morrison
Oral History Information
Dorothy Morrison loves sharing her musical journey, one deeply rooted in faith and family. Raised in Oakland, California, her father, a pastor, and her mother, a missionary, nurtured Dorothy and her nine siblings in the church, where their mother taught them hymns. The siblings performed together as the Young Comb Children, gaining local recognition. By her teenage years, Dorothy’s powerful voice caught the attention of Edwin Hawkins, who invited her to join his choir. In 1967, she sang lead on the iconic gospel hit “Oh Happy Day,” which became a chart-topping anthem of hope during the Vietnam War. Her career blossomed from there, touring with renowned artists like Delaney & Bonnie and Van Morrison, and recording hits such as “All God’s Children Got Soul” and “Spirit in the Sky.” Through it all, Dorothy remains proudest of how her music has conveyed God’s message of love and peace to audiences around the world.