Doris Mae Akers
“Lead Me, Guide Me,” a deeply moving gospel song penned by the prolific African American composer Doris Mae Akers, resonates with many seeking solace and direction. Akers, born in 1923, gifted the world with this timeless piece in 1953, alongside other celebrated gospel works like “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in this Place.” This song, “Lead Me, Guide Me,” stands as a testament to her profound impact on gospel music and continues to inspire faith and reflection across generations.
Doris Akers’ journey into music began early. Growing up in Brookfield, Missouri, as one of ten children, she displayed an innate musical talent at just six years old, teaching herself piano by ear. By ten, she had already composed her first song, “Keep the Fire Burning in Me,” and by twelve, she had established her own jazz band, “Dot Akers and Her Swingsters.” Her early immersion in diverse musical styles laid a foundation for her later groundbreaking contributions to gospel music.
In 1945, Akers relocated to Los Angeles, a pivotal move that placed her at the heart of the burgeoning gospel music scene. There, she connected with influential figures such as Sallie Martin, J. Earl Hines, and Eugene Douglas Smallwood. Joining the Sallie Martin Singers as a pianist and vocalist marked a significant step in her professional career. She further expanded her influence by forming the Akers Singers and launching her own publishing house, Akers Music House. Notably, in 1958, she established the Sky Pilot Choir, a pioneering interracial choir in Los Angeles dedicated to African American gospel music, showcasing her commitment to inclusivity and musical innovation.
Akers’ ability to connect deeply with congregations was often described as ‘magic.’ However, she humbly attributed it to divine inspiration, stating, “Magic, nothing—it’s just letting go and releasing the Spirit of God.” Her compositions resonated widely, attracting renowned artists like George Beverly Shea, Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, and Elvis Presley, all of whom recorded her songs. Her talent was formally recognized when she was named Gospel Music Composer of the Year in both 1960 and 1961. Further solidifying her legacy, the National Organization of Black Catholics honored Akers in 1987 by naming their official hymnal Lead Me, Guide Me, after her iconic 1953 song.
“Lead Me, Guide Me” first gained traction through a 78-rpm recording by Brother Joe May and the Pilgrim Travelers in 1954. This early recording helped disseminate the song and capture its heartfelt message for a wider audience.
The lyrics of “Lead Me, Guide Me” speak to the universal human experience of seeking guidance and strength. The refrain, central to the song’s message, encapsulates this plea:
Lead me, guide me along the way,
For if you lead me, I cannot stray.
Lord, let me walk each day with thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
This refrain emphasizes dependence on a higher power for direction in life’s journey. The lyrics resonate with the timeless theme of life as a spiritual journey, echoing hymns like “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” and “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” The opening phrase is also reminiscent of the biblical plea found in Psalm 5:8, “Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness…make thy way straight before my face.”
Each verse of “Lead Me, Guide Me Lyrics” further develops this theme of reliance and faith. The first verse poignantly expresses personal vulnerability and the need for divine strength:
I am weak and I need thy strength and power
To help me over my weakest hour
Lead me through the darkness thy face to see
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
This verse acknowledges human frailty and the essential need for spiritual support during challenging times. Subsequent verses expand on the trials and tribulations of life, depicting “Satan and sin” as forces that attempt to divert us from “paths of righteousness,” and confessing a feeling of being “lost” and “blind” without divine guidance and light. The repeated line, “Lead me, O Lord, lead me,” at the end of each verse serves as a powerful and unifying prayer.
Musically, “Lead Me, Guide Me” is described by Horace Boyer as “a gospel song set as a lullaby.” Its gentle ¾ meter creates a soothing, rhythmic flow that encourages reflection and contemplation of the lyrics. The harmonization by Richard Smallwood, widely used in hymnals today, beautifully enhances this tender and reassuring quality. You can find Richard Smallwood’s harmonization online to appreciate its nuanced musicality.
Doris Akers’ impact extended beyond songwriting. During a period of racial segregation in the music industry, she strategically navigated the landscape by establishing connections with both black and white gospel music spheres. Her relationship with Manna Music, a white-owned publishing company, facilitated a bridge between black gospel performers like herself and Andraé Crouch and white gospel composers. This crossover appeal is evident in Elvis Presley’s 1971 recording of “Lead Me, Guide Me,” featured in his film Elvis on Tour. Elvis Presley’s rendition provides a unique interpretation of the song, showcasing its versatility. More recently, Bill and Gloria Gaither’s recording further demonstrates the song’s enduring appeal across gospel music genres.
For her vast contributions to gospel music, Doris Akers was affectionately known as “Mrs. Gospel Music.” Her legacy was cemented with her posthumous induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2001. “Lead Me, Guide Me lyrics” continue to resonate deeply within congregations and among individuals seeking spiritual direction, ensuring Doris Akers’ place as a luminary in gospel music history.
Further Reading
- Boyer, Horace Clarence. How Sweet the Sound: The Golden Age of Gospel. Washington, D.C.: Elliott and Clark Publishing, 1995.
- Daw Jr., Carl P. Glory to God: A Companion. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2016.
- Djedje, Jacqueline Cogdell. “Los Angeles Composers of African American Gospel Music: The First Generations.” American Music 11, no. 4 (Winter, 1993): 412–457.
- Marovich, Robert M. A City Called Heaven: Chicago and the Birth of Gospel Music. Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Press, 2015.
- Reynolds, William J. “Akers, Doris.” Handbook to The Baptist Hymnal, ed. Jere Adams. Nashville: Convention Press, 1992.
© 1953 Doris Akers, Admin. by Unichappell Music, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
