Kathryn Baker Kemp is a product of the Chicago Public Schools. She holds degrees from De Paul University (BA), Chicago State University (MS.Ed), and Northern Illinois University (ED.D) and a (PH.D) from Newburgh Theological Seminary. She is a member of the national academic faculty of the Gospel Music Workshop of America.
She serves with the Pastoral Alliance Department of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses (The Dorsey Convention) and has taught as adjunct faculty for Northern Illinois University at the College of Du Page in Du Page County, Illinois. She is a board member of the Chicago Gospel Music Heritage Museum and the Thomas A. Dorsey Birthplace and Gospel Heritage Festival in Villa Rica, GA. She is the author of four books and articles.
Dr. Kemp’s music ministry began over fifty years ago as pianist for the Junior Choir of the Morning Star Baptist Church in Chicago. Her full time music ministry ended in 2009 after 40 years of music ministry at Memorial M.B. Church in Chicago. Dr. Kemp, now an ordained minister of the gospel, is active in the teaching ministry at Memorial Missionary Baptist Church where she is an associate pastor, and Bible Studies teacher. She also serves with the prison ministry of her church and with the choir as requested
The author works as a volunteer with civic and social groups with an emphasis on the youth and the elderly, who are her passion and as a member of educational and financial advisory boards. One of her favorite scriptures, which guides her daily is Psalm 121.