ALBERTINA WALKER AMONG TWELVE ARTISTS TO RECEIVE NATION’S HIGHEST HONOR IN THE FOLK AND TRADITIONAL ARTS

2005 NEA National Heritage Fellows Participate in Capitol Hill Award Ceremony and Concert

Albertina Walker, Gospel singer Chicago, IL


Albertina Walker was nominated for an NEA National Heritage Fellowship by Chicago’s West Point Missionary Baptist Church, where she has been a member for more than 70 years. Known as the “Queen of Gospel Music,” Walker began singing in the church choir when she was four and went on to be mentored by gospel great Mahalia Jackson. Her group, The Caravans, had numerous hits including “Mary Don’t You Weep” and “Walk Around Heaven.” Walker has recorded more than 60 albums, including five gold records. She has received 10 Grammy award nominations; in 1995 she received the Grammy for Best Traditional Gospel Album. In 1988, Walker founded the Albertina Walker Scholarship Foundation for the Creative and Performing Arts, which offers financial assistance to college students aspiring to serve the gospel community.

The NEA National Heritage events are supported by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. and WAMU 88.5 FM.