Rev. Clifford Brower, Newark pastor and member of the Brower Brothers, passes on

Last updated June 21, 2026, at 11:20 a.m.

Pictured above is the cover of the Brower Brothers’ Church Devil CD project. From left to right are Quino Brower, John Thorpe, Paul Smith, Reno Brower, Rev. Clifford Brower, and Ozias Bethel. Rev. Brower passed away Monday, June 15, 2026.

Rev. Clifford Brower, a Newark, New Jersey pastor and longtime gospel musician, passed away June 15, 2026. His passing was shared publicly on social media by his wife, Rev. Desiree Brower.

Within the gospel quartet community, Rev. Brower was known as a lead singer with the Brower Brothers, a family-based group with recorded projects that include Call on God (1997), featuring covers of The Clark Sisters’ “You Brought the Sunshine” and Al Green’s “Take Me to the River,” and Church Devil (2002).

Earlier in his music career, Brower grew in popularity as a musician through his tenures with established gospel groups, such as the Gospel Keynotes and Slim & The Supreme Angels.

Rev. Brower was the pastor of Blessed Assurance Christian Life Center in Newark, where he led the congregation while continuing his involvement in gospel music ministry.

Perry Funeral Home of Newark has announced a public visitation to be held Monday, June 22, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Greater Abyssinian Baptist Church, located at 88 Lyons Avenue in Newark. A homegoing celebration will follow immediately at 6:00 p.m. at the same location.

A Celebration of Life service is also set for Friday, June 26, at 12 noon at New Zion AME Church, located at 4967 Highway 705 in Robbins, NC.

Gospel Music Fever extends sincere condolences to Rev. Brower’s family, friends, and congregation.