Rev. Dr. Lena McLin, a legendary music teacher, composer, author and pastor, died earlier this week, her family announced. She was 95.
“Last night, my beloved grandmother (and a mother to so many) Lena Mclin made her peaceful and quiet transition,” wrote William Kurk in a Facebook post.
Famously referred to as the woman who launched a thousand careers, she made her mark as a music educator, pastor, vocal coach, and, in many respects, as a mom and life coach to many in the community.
Rev. Dr. McLin taught at Chicago Public Schools and helped launch or enhance the careers of famous singers like Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson, Da Brat and R. Kelly, among many others.
Rev. Dr. McLin received a Bachelor’s degree in music specializing in piano and violin from Spelman College and a graduate degree in music from the American Conservatory of Music. She also taught at various Chicago schools, including Hubbard High School, Harlan High School and Kenwood Academy High School.
“Lena McLin is one of Kenwood’s most well-known educators,” said Kenwood Academy High School Principal Karen Calloway in a statement. Dr. McLin was a longtime music and choir teacher at Kenwood, where countless Broncos have gone on to contribute to our global society thanks to her tutelage.”
Calloway added, “Through music, education, and many other endeavors, Dr. McLin’s legacy is a microcosm of a life well lived. Her work, which spans decades, will stay with us forever. The world was blessed to have her.”
As the daughter of a pastor and music director at Greater Mount Calvary Baptist Church in her native Atlanta, Rev. Dr. McLin was music royalty. Her music education was further enriched when she moved to Chicago to stay with her uncle, Thomas Dorsey, the father of gospel music.
She watched her uncle compose for gospel legends like Mahalia Jackson and Sallie Martin and accompanied them as well.
In addition to her numerous accomplishments, she established the McLin Opera Company and led the McLin Singers, a gospel ensemble. She also ventured into filmmaking with “The Origin of the Spiritual” and authored the acclaimed textbook, “Pulse: A History of Music.”
In 1981, Rev. Dr. Lena McLin founded the Holy Vessel Christian Center and received ordination as a pastor. As a prolific composer, her catalog boasted more than 400 compositions, spanning art songs, choral pieces, opera and instrumental works. Her diverse musical style reflected her extensive education, encompassing classical, gospel, rock, and popular genres, according to the Song of America project.
Rev. Dr. McLin leaves behind a daughter, son-in-law, two grandsons and one great-grandson.
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