Album Notes

Dr. Gloria F. Thompson


Gloria began playing the piano at the age of 5. Recognizing that she was blessed with a special talent, her mother and grandmother arranged for her to take private piano lessons with the late Mrs. Mildred White and the late Mr. Paul Brent. She later continued her musical education at Morgan State University.

Dr. Thompson is Senior Organist at Berea Temple Seventh-Day Adventist Church (Baltimore, Maryland), and the Associate Minister of Music at the Christian Community Church of God, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Melvin C. Green. Her list of credits include; service as organist at the United Palace in New York City, Staff Musician at City Temple of Baltimore (Baptist) Church, Organist at Shiloh Christian Community Church, and Minister of Music at the Cornerstone Church of Christ.

Gloria has performed at several Gospel Music Workshop of America Conventions, under the direction of the late Rev. Dr. James Cleveland. She was also one of the musicians for the renowned Suburban Mass Recording Choir, under the leadership of its founder, the late Rev. Evora Robinson-Burns. For thirteen years, she served as organist for New Metropolitan Baptist Church, where the late Rev. Lawyer L. Swinson was Pastor. It was while serving at New Metropolitan that Gloria recorded her first album entitled "In Worship". The album was a tremendous success.

Gloria is constantly sought after as a guest organist and choral director. She has received numerous awards and commendations for her musical abilities, such as Gospel Organist of the Year, Musician of the Year and Women Making a Difference (Sharon Baptist Church). Gloria was also the recipient of WJZ TV's Gold Salute. On December 28, 2000, she was conferred the Doctorate of Sacred Music (Honoris CAUSA) from the Eastern Theological Seminary, in Lynchburg, Virginia. Dr. Thompson's willingness to yield to the Holy Spirit has made her invaluable as a musician. Her expression and testimony in song uplifts audiences everywhere. Her inimitable style has won her much praise. Gloria's response to this acclaim…"To God Be the Glory".

Dr. Thompson completed a recording project with BenMykel Productions, entitled "GLORY". In honor of the release, the Honorable Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke proclaimed September 11, 1994, as "Gloria Thompson Day in Baltimore City". The recording received an overwhelming response and was aired on religious stations across the country. Dr. Thompson is featured on the 2000 live recording, "Concert of the Masters", which is a sacred celebration of the Pipe Organ, Hammond B-3 organ and the Grand Piano. Dr. Thompson has most recently completed her 2nd CD entitled "Heaven on my mind"; which is a stirring blend of live and studio recordings.