This 1950s footage captures gospel singer Francine Morrison performing in Fort Worth. Morrison was extremely committed to her faith, refusing to perform in nightclubs or other venues that she felt contradicted her religious values. (She later received a doctorate in divinity and became a licensed evangelical minister in Fort Worth.) In this footage, Morrison performs at several local churches, often alongside their church choirs, before taking the stage at the Will Rogers Memorial Center.
Francine Reese Morrison (1935-2016) was a world-renowned gospel singer from Fort Worth. She recorded three best-selling albums and performed at a number of special occasions, including the opening of the Astrodome and the inauguration of Governor of Texas John Connally. (The latter made Morrison the first black person to participate in a governor's inauguration.) In addition to her successful career as a gospel singer, Morrison was also a licensed evangelical minister. In 1980, she founded the Everywhere Church in Fort Worth. After the church disbanded in 1990, Morrison launched her own radio and television shows and toured Europe and South America. She also regularly appeared at Christian convocational events throughout the country.