Choir robe worn by Willie Mae Ford Smith

This robe was worn by gospel singer “Mother” Willie Mae Ford Smith in the 1983 documentary Say Amen, Somebody. With her “building wrecker” contralto voice, flowing robes, and oversize glasses, Smith embodied the ideal gospel balance of loving warmth and towering power. Her countless soloist students included Mahalia Jackson, Dinah Washington, and Aretha Franklin. In 1988 she received a National Heritage Award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Two years later she was presented with a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

Object Title and Accession Number

Choir robe worn by Willie Mae Ford Smith in Say Amen, Somebody. Unknown maker, 1983. 1991-062-0001.

Beige choir robe on a mannequin.

A textured beige choir robe displayed on a mannequin against a plain white background. The fabric features subtle, intricate floral patterns, and the robe has wide sleeves and a simple, flowy design.

Back of beige chior robe on a mannequin

Back view of a textured beige choir robe displayed on a mannequin against a plain white background. The fabric features subtle, intricate floral patterns, and the robe has wide sleeves and a simple, flowy design.

Close up of beige choir robe on a mannequin.

Close-up of the chior robe featuring beige textured fabric with intricate patterns. The robe has a wide, flowing sleeve. The fabric has a subtle sheen.

Beige choir robe on a mannequin.

Three quarter front view of a textured beige choir robe displayed on a mannequin against a plain white background. The fabric features subtle, intricate floral patterns, and the robe has wide sleeves and a simple, flowy design.