By Libra Boyd, Editor in Chief
GMF joins the gospel music community in mourning the passing of Bishop Norman Hutchins, Sr., recording artist, songwriter, producer, and pastor.
According to L.A. Focus News, Hutchins was found unresponsive the morning of June 5, 2025. No additional details were available at the time of GMF publication. He was 62.
An official announcement, released jointly by the Hutchins family, IR Record Label, and HD Global Media Group reads:
It is with profound sadness and with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of multi award-winning gospel artist, Bishop Dr. Norman E. Hutchins, Sr., a gospel giant who went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Bishop Norman Hutchins, Sr. was a cherished gospel artist, a beacon of faith, and a powerful voice whose music touched countless lives with messages of hope, love, and salvation.
Bishop Norman Hutchins, Sr. leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, having inspired generations through his soul-stirring albums, award-winning songs, like “God’s Got A Blessing,” “Emmanuel,” “God Is Able,” etc., and his dedicated ministry with Frontline West Ministries. His unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel through music brought light to many, and their testimony of faith will continue to resonate in hearts around the world.
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from fans, friends, and the gospel community during this time. We ask for your continued prayers for Bishop Norman Hutchins’ family, loved ones, and all those touched by his ministry as we mourn this great loss and celebrate a life well-lived in service to God.
May we find comfort in knowing that Bishop Norman Hutchins is now resting in the presence of our Savior, singing praises forevermore.
We humbly ask that you respect the family’s need for privacy as they navigate this season of grief.
Charles Edward Johnson, Founder and President of the National Association of Gospel Radio, expressed the deeply felt impact of Hutchins’ passing within the gospel radio community. “[Bishop Hutchins’] music helped define eras, shaped programming, and encouraged listeners during their most difficult and most joyful moments,” he shared in an email.
Born in North Carolina and raised in Delaware, Bishop Hutchins became aware of his path in ministry at an early age. He started preaching at age 8, was licensed in the preaching ministry at 12, and ordained at 19. He would begin recording music professionally several years later in 1992.
“My music is my gift, but preaching is my calling,” Bishop Hutchins has said. “I’ve been called to preach, so music has become sort of a back door approach to present the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Bishop Hutchins and his wife Karen were founders and pastors of Frontline Ministries, with locations in Delaware and California.
This year, Bishop Hutchins celebrated the release of his first book, Father, I Never Knew You, and had been holding book signings in multiple US cities.
Bishop Hutchins ministers “God’s Got A Blessing” at the COGIC AIM Convention in 2004.
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.