By Libra Boyd, Editor in Chief
GMF joins the gospel music community in mourning the passing of Jeffrey Newberry, Sr., who transitioned December 14, 2025. He was 69.
Newberry joined the Gospel Keynotes in the late 1970s under the leadership of the late Willie Neal Johnson, the group’s organizer and frontman. His bass-baritone voice and charisma were featured on several of the group’s popular songs, including “Rise Again,” “Hold On (Just A Little While Longer),” and “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” the title song of their Grammy-nominated album.
At the time of his passing, Newberry was carrying the torch with his eponymous group, Jeffrey Newberry & The Keynotes.
A Celebration of Life service took place Saturday, December 20th, at Lighthouse Worship Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Present and past members of the Keynotes, along with Newberry’s grandchildren and son, Jeffrey Newberry, Jr., were among those who rendered musical tributes during the nearly three-hour service. Former Keynote Larry McCowin shared lively reflections and presented a resolution to the family on behalf of the group.
In tribute to his father, Jamaque Newberry emotionally described him as “a presence like no other” with “a voice like velvet,” who “sparked us with a light in all of us to be the best that we can be.”
GMF extends sincere condolences to the entire Newberry family.
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.