Donald Gay Tells Gospel Truth And Family Connection In New Book

Can I Get a Witness! brings to life the extraordinary story of Donald “Preacher” Gay and the Gay Sisters, gospel music’s Golden Age, and a family whose influence extended far beyond the stage.

A remarkable chapter in the history of gospel music and Chicago’s cultural heritage comes to life in the new book, Can I Get a Witness!, the compelling story of Pastor Donald Gay and his family’s enduring contributions to gospel music, faith, and community.

Written through an engaging call-and-response conversation between Donald Gay and Steven B. Dolins, founder of The Sirens Records, the book offers a deeply personal account of a family whose musical gifts and commitment to serving others helped shape an important era in American gospel music.

The story begins with an extraordinary moment in music history. In 1950, at just five years old, young Gregory Donald Gay joined his sisters onstage at Carnegie Hall during a landmark sold-out gospel concert featuring the Queen of Gospel, Mahalia Jackson and the Clara Ward Singers. The performance marked the first concert at Carnegie Hall devoted entirely to gospel music.

His sisters—Evelyn, Geraldine, and Mildred, collectively known as the Gay Sisters—were influential figures during gospel music’s Golden Age. Evelyn and Geraldine developed distinctive approaches to gospel piano, while Mildred contributed powerful vocals with her mezzo soprano range. From 1948 through 1973, the sisters toured, performed, and recorded music that helped establish their place in gospel history.

Their musical journey took them to legendary venues, including the Apollo Theatre, and brought them into contact with some of the most celebrated names in American music, including Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Sam Cooke, Pops Staples, and Dizzy Gillespie.