CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Dr. Lena McLin, a composer, pastor and Chicago Public Schools music teacher — who influenced the music careers of many — has died at the age of 95.
McLin was a longtime music teacher at CPS, most notably at Harlan High School and Kenwood Academy, and has been credited with influencing multiple entertainers, including Mandy Patinkin and jazz singers Maggie Brown and Kim English. She also is said to have worked with Jennifer Hudson and Chaka Khan.
McLin composed over 400 musical pieces. Her grandson, William Kurk, posted a message on behalf of the family on social media.
“If you want to learn more about her body of work, you can definitely Google her,” Kurk said. “She has a variety of students that have paid tribute to her, as well as her body of works that are published and a lot of performances that feature her music.”
Kurk said his grandmother died peacefully and that her legacy lives on through so many people.
“We are getting an onslaught of messages coming in from all sides,” he said. “We do appreciate the blessings and the condolences, but it will take some time to correspond with everybody.”
McLin was sent to live in Chicago for a few years when she was 5 years old. While in the city, she lived with her uncle, Thomas Dorsey, who’s also known as the father of gospel music.
In a statement, Kenwood Academy Principal Karen Calloway described McLin as one of Kenwood’s “most well-known educators.”
“Through music, education and many other endeavors, Dr. McLin’s legacy is a microcosm of a life well lived,” Calloway said. “Her work, which spans decades, will stay with us forever. The world was blessed to have her.”
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