Helen Turner-Thompson (Finding Aid)

Helen Turner-Thompson

1931 -

Favorite Color: Green

Favorite Food: Greens, Canned Yams, Fruit, Meat

Favorite Time of Year: Fall and Winter

Interview Length: 138 minutes

Interview Date(s): March 19, 2004

Interview Location(s): Residence of Helen Turner-Thompson, Cleveland, Ohio

Abstract

Helen Turner-Thompson gives an overview of her childhood and explains her adoption. She remembers her adopted mother's background and discusses the music shop that she owned. Turner-Thompson talks about the Cleveland, Ohio neighborhood where her mother's store was located and in which she grew up. Turner-Thompson briefly mentions her sister before talking about her grandparents and their children. Next, she discusses the African American entrepreneurship that was taking place during her upbringing around Cedar and Central Avenues and lists local businesses and clubs of the time. Helen Turner-Thompson talks about her early musical performances and names teachers and musicians that were influential to her career. Helen Turner-Thompson talks about her early memories of Thomas Dorsey and remembers when his National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses was held in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. Next, she discusses the goals of the convention. Turner-Thompson remembers major players of the Chicago and Cleveland gospel music communities. She details her music education from elementary school through her time spent at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Turner-Thompson recalls her early days in being involved in gospel and discusses how she championed the genre by demonstrating songs in public settings. Next, she remembers gospel choir Wings Over Jordan's Sunday radio broadcasts and talks about the groups' history. She then expresses her opinion of the importance of improvisation within gospel music and segues into a discussion on 'Amazing Grace'. Helen Turner-Thompson talks about 'Amazing Grace's' and the acceptance of the song by the African American community. She then remembers how, in the 1930s, changes started occurring in gospel music and talks about how the genre evolved further in the 1940s. Turner-Thompson recalls the career of James Cleveland and explains how his style introduced a new era of gospel. Next, she compares the Thomas Dorsey and James Cleveland workshops. Turner-Thompson talks about the instrumentation used in the different styles of gospel. She expresses her opinion on traditional and contemporary styles and refers to the term 'nu-gospel'. Turner-Thompson details her various duties in the community and discusses the women's past and present roles within the church. Helen Turner-Thompson remembers her courtship and marriage to her husband. She explains how she was able to continue performing music as a military wife while living abroad. Next, she lists her children and grandchildren. Turner-Thompson talks about the various jobs she held and explains how she balanced her career with her role as a single mother. Then she discusses the church's opinions of the Civil Rights Movement and mentions how her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio was involved in the Movement. Turner-Thompson recalls how an underground economy helped the African American community during times of need. Then she explains ways arts attracted youth to the Civil Rights Movement. Helen Turner-Thompson talks about women African American writers' successes. She also mentions current female gospel musicians whom she enjoys. Helen Turner-Thompson shares her concerns about the future of gospel music. We are then treated to a short performance by Turner-Thompson before she narrates photos from throughout her life.

60 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)