Dorothy Norwood (born November 27, 1935 in Atlanta, Georgia) began singing and touring with her family at the age of eight. In 1956, she moved to Chicago, Illinois, and was soon singing with gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. Shortly after, during the early 1960s, Norwood became a member of the gospel group Albertina Walker and The Caravans, which would include such gospel music legends as the Queen of Gospel Albertina Walker who is also Dorothy's role model and confidant.