A homegoing service took place Wednesday (Aug. 15) in Roxboro, NC for Jack Dempsey “Demp” Winstead, 75, who passed August 11.
Winstead was remembered as a loving family member and friend as well as a singer and guitar player who shared his talent with several North Carolina-based groups including the Silver Stars of Blanch, Souls of Calvary from Franklinton, and for a time, the Brooklyn Allstars (whose founding member Rev. Thomas Spann transitioned last week, one day before Winstead).
Artis Swann, formerly of the Brower Brothers, was among those who comforted the family in song at the homegoing celebration.
GMF extends deep condolences to the Winstead family during this emotional time.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
Thank you so very much for posting this information about uncle Demp Winstead. He played bass and lead guitar, was a backup singer and sometimes he lead. He was one hard act to follow singing in that sweet, smooth tenor voice, reaching pitches that left me mesmerized. Not only did he play and sing, he taught many how to play the guitar. He really impacted many men in the gospel entertainment. Artis Swan is Demp Winstead’s nephew, and I just love being who I am, lol, because I had the honor and privilege of seeing them off stage just having them good old-fashioned gospel time sing offs. Family ❤️💖❤️
What wonderful memories, Christy! I wish I could’ve heard him more often. I vaguely remember seeing him with the Silver Stars of Blanch, but I was very young. We are praying for you and all the family.