Dr. William A. Barks-Dale is a native of Dothan, Alabama. He attended William Carey College and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with minors in Music (Voice) and Special Education from Alabama State University. He earned a Master of Education degree in Special Education from Texas Southern University. William earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Special Education from Lacrosse University (Summa cum laude).

He has written several compositions such as “I Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now” (GIA). He is a veteran presenter at The Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. His most noted compositions are: “He’s the Keepuh”, “Yes, There is a God”, “Right Here in This Place”, “I’m Covered by the Blood”, “See What the End Will Be” and "If God Had Not Kept Me" (as presented at the GMWA-Tampa-2011 Workshop).

Barks-Dale is a graduate of the Virginia Theological Seminary, and a member of the Fountain of Praise-Houston, TX; Remus E. Wright, Senior Pastor. He is also the Director of The Chorale at Brentwood Baptist Church in Houston; Dr. Joe S. Ratliff, Pastor. He is a retired educator after 30 years of service. Barks-Dale is the Founder-Advocate for "Annie Mae's Child"-providing services for parents of children with disabilities. www.anniemaeschild.com