“Gospel music is the story of how God enters our lives. The rhythm, the lyrics connect the soul to the power and the presence of the Almighty in a way nothing else can.” — Dr. Kathryn Kemp
Make a Joyful Noise explores the mysterious parallel between two lives separated by decades but united by a single sound.
Thomas A. Dorsey began as “Georgia Tom,” a jazz pianist playing the secular clubs. But it wasn’t until he coupled the chords of the Blues with the Good News of Jesus Christ that history changed. Out of the tragic loss of his wife and son came the anthem “Precious Lord,” a song that has comforted millions. He faced opposition for bringing a “new style” into the church, yet he persisted, knowing this music had the power to transform lives.
Dr. Kathryn Kemp spent her life around music, but it was a diagnosis of cancer that brought her to her knees. Alone in a dark church, she made a vow: “If you allow me to live, I’ll serve you for the rest of my life.”
She didn’t just survive; she was healed. And her assignment became clear: To tell the story of how God enters our lives through rhythm, lyrics, and soul.
Cynthia M. Jones is a Human Resources Director with over 40 years of diverse experience in every dimension of HR, including labor contracts, employment, pensions, and EEOC cases. Cynthia is certified in 16 states.
Her most influential experience was accomplished at AT&T and later at Lucent Technologies. Cynthia always credits her most challenging position as the Regional Employment Director of Lucent, where she worked exclusively for President Bill Clinton, recruiting and hiring the president’s technical team for the White House and out-of-country travels. Cynthia retired from Lucent Technologies as a global founder of the company.
Cynthia was baptized at the Historic Pilgrim Baptist Church at the young age of six and has been working faithfully ever since. She was appointed Chairman of the Restoration of Pilgrim Baptist Church by the late Chairman of the Board, Deacon Robert Vaughn, in 2001. She authored the nomination of Pilgrim’s submission as one of the Ten Sacred Places in the Nation to Save in 2001. After Historic Pilgrim was named one of the Ten Sacred Places, the real work began.
During the next several years, Cynthia spent her time appearing in Washington and along the East Coast, collaborating with congressmen and philanthropists.
Cynthia was elected to Pilgrim’s Trustee Board in 2005 and was selected as Vice Chairman immediately. She served in this capacity until the death of the late Robert Vaughn in 2017. Cynthia was then elected as the first woman to serve as Chairman of the Trustee Board of the Historic Pilgrim Baptist Church.
Cynthia attributes all of her successes to Almighty God and the faithful prayers of her family and friends. She understands and acknowledges that God has ordered her steps and given her the strength and wisdom to help others and live a successful life. She truly trusts God in every situation and stands on His Word.
Dr. Kathryn Kemp is a walking encyclopedia of Gospel music, but she doesn’t like titles. She prefers “Servant.”
A product of the Chicago Public Schools, Dr. Kemp’s journey is one of both academic rigor and spiritual depth. She holds degrees from DePaul University (BA), Chicago State University (MS.Ed), and Northern Illinois University (ED.D), as well as a Ph.D. from Newburgh Theological Seminary.
From the Bench to the Pulpit Her music ministry began over fifty years ago as a pianist for the Junior Choir of the Morning Star Baptist Church. For 40 years, she served faithfully at Memorial M.B. Church before answering the call to ordained ministry. Today, she serves as an associate pastor and Bible Studies teacher, ministering to everyone from the youth to the incarcerated.
The Divine Encounter Dr. Kemp’s work took a pivotal turn after writing her first book, Make a Joyful Noise. During a routine doctor’s appointment, she discovered that her nurse was none other than Thomas Dorsey’s daughter.
That divine appointment birthed her second book, “Anointed to Sing the Gospel,” and launched the mission to restore Dorsey’s legacy. Today, Dr. Kemp serves on the board of the Chicago Gospel Music Heritage Museum and the Thomas A. Dorsey Birthplace, fighting to ensure the pioneers are never forgotten.
One of her favorite scriptures, which guides her daily, is Psalm 121: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.”
Kathryn Kemp is passionate about the importance of preserving Chicago ‘s legacy in Gospel music
She understands that if we do not curate our own stories, they will be rewritten or erased. This museum is her “Joyful Noise”—a physical sanctuary designed to ensure that the robes, the records, and the rhythms of the pioneers are protected for future generations.
“I want to continue to share the power of the gospel with as many people as I can. That’s all I want to do with the rest of my life.”
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