Kenneth Morris

Kenneth Morris (August 28, 1917 – February 1, 1989) was an African American composer of gospel music and publisher who popularized several songs, including “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”.

Along with his wife, Sallie Martin, he co-founded Martin and Morris Music Company, the nation’s oldest continuously running black gospel music publishing company, which operated from 1940 until the 1980s.

Morris is also credited with introducing the Hammond organ to the gospel genre.