Precious Memories

Author: Roberta Martin

Roberta Martin (b 14 Feb. 1907, St. Francis, AR; d 13 Jan. 1969, Chicago, IL). A classically-trained pianist, Roberta Winston Martin directed the junior chorus at Chicago’s Ebenezer Baptist Church starting in 1932. She led the Youth Department of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses in its early years. In 1933, Martin organized the Martin and Frye Quartette, a gospel ensemble later called the Roberta Martin Singers. The ensemble toured extensively from the outset and released dozens of recordings for Apollo and Savoy between 1947 and 1969. Martin’s classical flourishes on piano, distinct from Thomas Dorsey’s barrelhouse style, set new standards for gospel accompanists and inspired artists from James Cleveland to Richa… Go to person page >

Author: Georgia Jones

Georgia Hayes Jones (b 29 Apr. 1894 | d June 1972, Chicago, IL), daughter of George and Nettie Hayes, married Gilbert H. Jones in 1919 in Chicago, bringing two daughters with her from previous relationships (Vera Pierce, Marguerite Fowlkes). She was for many years director of the Joseph M. Evans Chorus and Christian Endeavor Choir of the Metropolitan Community Center Church, Chicago. She recorded her first solo album, Inspiration (1965), with accompanist Leon Hooper under the name The Marvelaires. She is probably the Georgia Jones named as co-author of “Precious Memories,” although there were at least three Georgia Joneses in Chicago at the time. —Chris Fenner, Hymns & Devotions for Daily Worship: African American Edition (2025) Go to person page >

Text is based in part on the older gospel hymn by John B.F. Wright, "Precious memories, unseen angels" (1925).