# Overlooked Chicago Gospel Trio Gets Due

> Chicago gospel trio Gay Sisters, who performed with Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke, receive book spotlight.
- Title: Overlooked Chicago Gospel Trio Gets Due · Chicago Sun-Times
- Summary: Chicago gospel trio Gay Sisters, who performed with Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke, receive book spotlight. Gay Sisters, a Chicago gospel trio that performed…
- Keywords: gay sisters, mahalia jackson, sam cook, gospel music, chicago, book, university of chicago press, sirens records, prayer center church of god in christ, woodlawn, news, local
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/2026/09/22/overlooked-chicago-gospel-trio-gay-sisters-book
- Published: 2026-09-22T10:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: gay sisters, mahalia jackson, sam cook, gospel music, chicago, book, university of chicago press, sirens records, prayer center church of god in christ, woodlawn, news, local
## Gay Sisters' gospel legacy
The Gay Sisters, a Chicago gospel trio, performed with Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke during the 1950s and 1960s.

> They were great, talented people, but I don’t think they got a fair break.
## Book co-written by brother
Their younger brother Gregory Donald Gay co-wrote the book 'Can I Get a Witness! Faith, Family and Chicago Gospel Music' with Sirens Records founder Steven B. Dolins.
## Brother's insights
Gregory Donald Gay, 81, is the longtime pastor of the Prayer Center Church of God in Christ in Woodlawn and recalls his sisters' performances with gospel legends.
## Sisters' musical connections
The sisters performed with Clara Ward, Mahalia Jackson, Sam Cooke, the Staple Singers, James Cleveland, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Dizzy Gillespie, and Sonny Rollins.
## Sisters' recordings
They released music on Savoy, Decca, and Chess labels and had a 1951 hit record 'God Will Take Care of You' covered by Aretha Franklin.
## Sisters' challenges
The sisters faced racism and sexism in the music industry, including not being paid or properly credited for their work.
## Family connections
Fannie Gay, the matriarch, supported her daughters' musical talents and hosted gatherings with artists like Sonny Rollins.
## Sisters' musical styles
Evelyn played bluesier piano music and was a songwriter, while Geraldine leaned toward jazz and Mildred had a tremendous vocal range.
## Family musicians
The family included musicians like Robert, a trumpeter who played with Dizzy Gillespie, and Gregory Donald Gay, the 'Boy Preacher' on TV.
## Book's purpose
The book details the sisters' setbacks and triumphs while recounting Chicago's role in modern gospel music's birth.
## Book events
The book has events including a concert at Wayfarer Theater and a book talk at The Seminary Co-op Bookstore.
## Sisters' recognition
The sisters' work has been overlooked, with records difficult to find beyond streaming sites or YouTube.
## Family resilience
The Gay family overcame racism and discrimination to achieve success in the music industry despite the odds.
## Book's impact
The book highlights the Gay Sisters' influence on gospel music and their family's resilience.
## Sisters' legacy
The Gay Sisters' story is a testament to overcoming challenges and their lasting impact on gospel music.
## What happens next
The book's events and continued recognition of the Gay Sisters' contributions to gospel music are expected.
## Key takeaway

Gay Sisters, a Chicago gospel trio that performed with Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke, are getting recognition in a new book co-written by their brother.