To step foot inside the Gates Piano Repair Co. on Issaquena Ave. in Clarksdale, Miss., is to travel back in time.  The sound of a small radio playing AM gospel hits and the buzz of a vintage Coke bottle machine fills the expansive space. Leaning back in a creaky office chair, working on crossword puzzles, sits Mr. Timothy Lewis Gates, the only piano repairman in a 50-mile radius. He retired years ago from the local school system and doesn’t make any real money fixing old pianos or playing beautiful music on them, but it's what keeps him alive.  “A lot of folks I’ve known to retire will go home to take their rocking chair,” said Mr. Gates. “But they didn’t rock long. So I don’t plan to go take no rocking chair. I plan to keep on going as long as I have something to go on.” 

Come Sunday morning, Mr. Gates plays piano and serves as music director at four different churches in the countryside around Clarksdale. Some of the churches have a choir, others just a congregation. There is no need for a book of Hymns, the gospel songs Mr. Gates leads everyone in are committed to memory. They have been passed down from generation to generation through song. “Music will sooth the savage beast,” said Mr. Gates. “It will not only do that, but I heard, as it’s been said, cabbage heads will grow larger if they are among music, a cow will give more milk if she hears music. So music, I believe, has something to do with even living.”

While recording these uniquely American southern gospel numbers, I was deeply moved and still feel very much that way every time I listen to them. Mr. Gates is a phenomenal human being and national treasure. Please do pass along these songs to those who value music while respecting U.S. common copyright laws. Thank you for listening.

- DL Anderson

‘I Found Something’ and ‘I Am Thine O Lord’ were recorded at Gates Piano Co. at 327 Issaquena Ave., in Clarksdale, Miss., on Saturday, May 26, 2007. The St. James Missionary Baptist Church Choir was recorded on Sunday May 20, 2007, during their 10th Bi-Annual Homecoming Celebration outside Jonestown, Miss. The St. Paul Missionary Baptist congregation and choir was recorded on Sunday, May 27, 2007, also outside of Jonestown, Miss., with Bro. Timothy L. Gates serving as the Minister of Music for both congregations. If you would like to make a contribution to either congregation, please send a certified check or money order to:

Timothy Louis Gates
Gates Piano Co.
327 Issaquena Ave.
Clarksdale, MS 38614

All recording by DL Anderson © 2007 with production assistance by Phil Cook.