Louise Overall Weaver

Louise Overall Weaver was born with complications circa 1915 but avoided life in a wheelchair thanks to multiple corrective surgeries. Weaver was an accomplished Chicago organist, pianist, and choir director who served several African American churches. She was the organist at the 44th Street Baptist Church later known as the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church for over 40 years. Weaver also accompanied Robert Anderson and the Caravans on their recordings, performed on the ABC radio program Jubilee Showcase in Chicago, served as a pianist in the Chicago Park District's Recreation Division for many years, and was an accompanist to gospel music singer Mahalia Jackson for over two decades. Weaver accompanied Jackson at her performance at Carnegie Hall in 1950, a historic moment in gospel music. Her proficiency on the organ earned her the nickname "Queen of the Hammond Organ." She later married and became Louise Overall Weaver-Smothers but was best known by the name under which she performed for many years. Weaver died in 1990.