Guitar Workshop

Milky White Way

Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

The great gospel song Milky White Way is usually attributed to Theodore R. Frey (1899-1963), a prominent Chicago gospel singer, choir leader and composer. However, occasionally the song is attributed to others. This may be because its true origin is uncertain and various artists have made their own arrangements by revising some earlier version.

The song was first recorded by the Trumpeteers in 1948. Then by Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight in a great bluesy duet in 1951. (unfortunately this has been removed from Youtube). Elvis Presley recorded a beautiful, rolling version on his His Hand in Mine album, 1960. Little Richard also recorded the song in 1963 on his Sings Spirituals album. His album seems to have been recorded in a church with back up by the choir and church organ.