A Tribute to Albertina Walker

Albertina Walker better known as the "Queen of Gospel" was born in 1929 in Chicago, IL. Walker started singing at the tender age of four in the church Children's' Choir at West Point Baptist Church. At the age of 22 Ms. Walker started her own singing group and called it The Caravans. This group traveled the world and achieved great success. Walker became famous for launching the careers of several gospel singers in fact there was so many she earned the title "The Star Maker".

After an outstanding career with The Caravans, Ms. Walker went on to a successful solo career. She has recorded over 60 albums. She would also help other artists by sharing her musical gift on their projects.

Albertina remembered she came from humble beginnings and was determined to preserve and enhance gospel music. She did this by lending her support to several charitable organizations. In 1988 Albertina founded The Albertina Walker Scholarship Foundation for the Creative and Performing Arts. The foundation offers financial assistance to college students who have decided to further their education in the field of music.

Albertina earned many awards and honors over her six decades of music ministry. Among them, are a 1995 Grammy Award, 3 Stellar Awards and 3 Dove Awards.

Walker had been battling emphysema and passed on Friday morning (Oct. 8, 2010) while she was in a Chicago hospital, she had been there since August. Albertina Walker was 81 years old. The Queen of Gospel is gone but she will live on through her music and contributions she has made.

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