Kathryn Baker Kemp

Kathryn Baker Kemp is a distinguished educator, minister, and gospel music historian with over 32 years of experience in education, counseling, administration, and music ministry. She has served as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, dean, adjunct professor, and minister, and is currently retired, dedicating her time to African American ministry, prison ministry, and a daily prayer line.

Dr. Kemp holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Newburgh Theological Seminary and an Ed.D. in Administration: Counselor Education from Northern Illinois University. She also earned degrees from DePaul University (BA) and Chicago State University (MS.Ed). Her academic and professional work emphasizes gospel music history, African American heritage, and Christian education.

An accomplished author, she has written Anointed To Sing The Gospel: The Levitical Legacy of Thomas A. Dorsey (2015) and Make A Joyful Noise: A Brief History of Gospel Music Ministry in America (2011), exploring the evolution of gospel music, its social and spiritual impact, and the contributions of African Americans to the genre. She is also actively involved in projects such as the Gospel Music Symposium and Gospel Music History Seminar, preserving and teaching the heritage of gospel music nationally and globally.

Dr. Kemp’s music ministry began over fifty years ago as a pianist for the Junior Choir of Morning Star Baptist Church in Chicago and spanned 40 years at Memorial M.B. Church, where she served as Director of Music Emeritus. Now an ordained minister, she continues to teach Bible studies, serve in prison ministry, and participate in her church choir as needed.

She also engages in civic and social work, focusing on youth and elderly programs, and serves on educational and financial advisory boards. Dr. Kemp is a board member of the Chicago Gospel Music Heritage Museum and the Thomas A. Dorsey Birthplace and Gospel Heritage Festival in Villa Rica, GA, and is a member of the national academic faculty of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. Psalm 121 is one of her guiding scriptures, reflecting her lifelong dedication to service, education, and ministry.

• Chicago State - MS
• Northern Illinois University - Ed.D
• Newburgh Theological Seminary - PhD

• Gospel Music Workshop of America
• Pastoral Alliance Department of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses (The Dorsey Convention)
• Chicago Gospel Music Heritage Museum - Board Member
• Thomas A. Dorsey Birthplace and Gospel Heritage Festival
• Memorial Missionary Baptist Church