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Chicago Music Teacher Helps Tomorrow's Stars

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Young aspiring singers, looking to make their mark in the world of music, are being trained by Dr. Lena McLin.

To say her roots are in music is an understatement. She was raised by her uncle, Thomas Dorsey -- historians call him the father of Gospel music. She has several degrees in music, has composed more than 400 songs, founded a black opera company, spent 36 years as a school teacher, and many more giving private lessons. And at 79, she's still sharing her gifts.

"Why do I teach? In life, you're called to do something. God put you down here to do something and you have the job of discovering what it is -- for me it's teaching people," McLin said.

And she's taught some of the best in the business: Hollywood actor Mandy Patinkin credits McLin with "giving me the courage to use my voice." Other students who've made it big include: Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson and R..Kelly -- who joined a tribute to McLin in 2005.

Kelly affectionately calls McLin momma. McLin treats Kelly like a son, so only a mother could honestly say what she thinks of his music.

"He has a lot of garbage...he doesn't sing everything I taught him," McLin said. "I taught him to sing opera too."

Eleven-year-old Alexander Heines has been taking lessons since he was five.

"Everybody likes the way I sing because of Ms. McLin," he said.

"My goal is to make them the best, the best singer, the best musician, the best person," McLin said.

The life lessons are priceless, the music lessons are a real bargain.

"I charge them $20, $15 dollars -- if they don't have any money, I charge them nothing," she said.

McLin is willing to teach anyone to sing.

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